Decomposition of Spectral Signatures of Coloured Dissolved Organic Matter Absorption and its Spatial Distribution Along Southeastern Arabian Sea

The process of photosynthesis involves the conversion of inorganic carbon into organic carbon and the light availability is the crucial factor affecting photosynthesis in case 2 waters. Coloured dissolved organic matter (CDOM) is a major competitor for light apart from suspended sediments and phytoplankton. The objective was 1) to understand the spatial, vertical and seasonal variability of CDOM by decomposing spectral signatures of absorption in the UV region and to identify the source of CDOM in the study area. The study was carried out for the period 2013 May to 2014 December on monthly basis. Samples from 9 spatial stations, covering estuarine, barmouth and marine region were collected along coastal waters off Kochi, Southeastern Arabian Sea. Two spectral range from 200nm to 400nm were selected for the study, ie. between 275-295 and 350-400. Slope between 275-295nm (S_275-295) showed no variation spatially and seasonally except for estuarine station. But slope between 350-400nm (S_350-400) exhibited considerable variations spatially, seasonally and vertically. Lower values of ratio between S_275-295 and S_350-400 in surface waters during monsoon season indicated presence of CDOM with heavy molecular weight of terrigenous origin. Premonsoon and postmonsoon seasons had higher ratio indicating presence of CDOM with lighter molecular weight. Autocthonous origin and degradation of terrigenous matter produces CDOM with light molecular weight. The ratio is found to be increasing from estuary to offshore stations. Hence it is inferred that, the chemical nature of CDOM is affected by both physical and biological components in dynamically unstable case 2 coastal waters. The results presented here shows difference in spectral slope to estimate optical properties of CDOM which is relevant for the description of underwater optics and to the development of ocean colour remote sensing algorithms in the region.