3.1 What is CDOM?
Chromophoric fraction of the DOM pool (CDOM) is a major driver of underwater light characteristics (Kirk1994) which modulate many bio-optical processes such as primary production (Thrane2014, Seekell2015) and also constitute a natural screen protecting aquatic organisms against harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiations (Boily2012). Because of its colored nature, CDOM is known to strongly absorbs UV light.
Blough and Vecchio (2002) provide a good definition of what is CDOM.
Over the past decade, there has been a renewed interest in the properties and distribution of the major light-absorbing constituent of the (DOM) pool in natural waters (the 0.2 \(μ\)m fraction). This material—referred in the past by various names such as Gelbstoff, yellow substance, gilvin, and humic substances) has more recently been provided the name chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM).
- Measured in quartz cuvette (1, 5, 10+ cm)
References
Blough, Neil V, and Rossana Del Vecchio. 2002. “Chapter 10 - Chromophoric {DOM} in the Coastal Environment.” In Biogeochemistry of Marine Dissolved Organic Matter, edited by Dennis A HansellCraig A Carlson, 509–46. San Diego: Academic Press. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/B978-012323841-2/50012-9.