ASPECTS OF THE UNDERWATER LIGHT FIELD OF EIGHT CENTRAL NEW YORK LAKES1

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Abstract
The underwater light field of eight central New York lakes, which represent a wide range of trophic state, was characterized through paired measurements of Sechi disc transparency (SD, m) and diffuse light attenuation (Kd, m−1). A total of 90 paired measurements are included in the data base. Substantial variability in the Kd SD product with time within individual systems, and amongst systems, was observed, which indicates differences in the relative contributions of absorption and scattering to attenuation. More than 50 percent of the temporal variability in Kd was attributable to attendant variations in chlorophyll a (C, mg m−3) in only two of the lakes. Estimates of the adsorption (a, m−1) and scattering (b, m−1) coefficients based on paired Kd and SD measurements compared well with more precise determinations available for one of the lakes. Determinations of a and b for the eight lakes, from SD and Kd measurements, indicated great system‐specificity and temporal variability in these characteristics. The temporal variability in relative contributions of a and b to Kd is consistent with covariation of different attenuating components and the lack of correlation between C and Kd in most of the study lakes.