Purpose. Development of regional satellite algorithms requires the information on bio-optical properties of a particular water area. The present study is aimed at comparative analysis of bio-optical properties of optically complex waters differing in their trophic status.
Methods and Results. The study combined the results of measuring the spectral bio-optical properties in the waters of the Black, Azov, Barents and Norwegian seas, the Arctic and Southern oceans (Atlantic sector) and Baikal and Teletskoye lakes. Spectral coefficients of light absorption by phytoplankton, non-algal particles and colored dissolved organic matter were measured in accordance with the International Ocean Colour Coordinating Group Protocols. The study areas included the waters with trophic levels from the oligotrophic to the eutrophic ones (the chlorophyll a concentrations in the surface layers varied from 0.066 to 24 mg⋅m−3) and with high heterogeneity in their bio-optical properties: the total non-water light absorption at the wavelength of 438 nm varied from 0.021 to 0.97 m−1.
Conclusions. In all the regions, a high (within an order of magnitude or higher) spatial variability in the values of light absorption coefficients by all the optically active components and their ratios was noted. This fact indicates the optical complexity of waters in each of the regions under study. The regional specificity of parameterization coefficients for light absorption by phytoplankton, non-algal particles and colored dissolved organic matter was shown. The revealed parameterization coefficients for light absorption by the optically active environment components can be used to develop regional satellite algorithms for assessing water quality and productivity indicators. Based on the empirically revealed dependencies, the following additional indicators of water quality were proposed: the euphotic zone depth and the spectral characteristics of downwelling irradiance which can be retrieved based on remote sensing data.