Colored Dissolved Organic Matter (CDOM) Fluorometer

CDOM sensors measure the amount of Colored Dissolved Organic Matter in the water column. Other names for this dissolved material include chromophoric dissolved organic matter, yellow substance, and gelbstoff.   CDOM occurs naturally in aquatic environments primarily as a result of tannins released from decaying detritus. Thus, CDOM concentrations are highest near shore, especially near river mouths and estuaries.  CDOM concentrations impact inherent optical properties of seawater, light availability for phytoplankton photosynthesis, and remote sensing of chlorophyll.  Phytoplankton and zooplankton are also sources of CDOM.  In addition, CDOM concentrations may be used to indicate the dispersion, transport and mixing of a water mass.

During VISIONS 14, CDOM fluorometers are scheduled for deployment on the deep profilers at Axial Base (DP03A), Slope Base (DP01A), and at the offshore site in the Endurance Array (DP01B)