Light Measurements at Molasses Reef

by Sofialejandra Bejarano

Submitted : Spring 2011

I calculated the rate of light attenuation for each wavelength for 6 intervals of different wavelengths. The tool used was a Biospherical Instruments BIC Series multichannel cosine irradiance spectroradiometer. It was lowered off the side of the vessel until a maximum depth, which was 31.780 meters. After reaching this depth, the equipment was lifted back onto the vessel. I calculated the rates of light attenuation for each wavelength interval both for when the instrument was lowered and then lifted again. I used the Excel program for this. I highlighted the light intensities in correlation with the depth intervals for both upwards and downwards profiles. I calculated the average and made line graphs showing the relationship. The most basic explanation for the results is that depth and light attenuation are inversely related. This can be seen in graphs later shown.

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