Optical absorption and attenuation instruments allows total scattering to be derived for living and detrital particles in the ocean. This model is the WET Labs AC-S instrument.
During VISIONS '14, it is anticipated that optical attenuation sensors will be placed at the Axial mooring (LJ03A) and on the Axial deep (DP03A) and shallow (SF01A) water profilers, the Slope Base (LJ01A) and Slope Base deep (DP01A) and shallow (SF01A) water profilers, as well as on the Endurance offshore (LJ01C) and nearshore shelf (LJ01D) benthic packages, and the Endurance offshore shallow profiler (SF01B).