Towards continuous long-term measurements of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in turbid coastal waters

The dynamics of sediment transport in the East Frisian Wadden Sea are important for the coastal zone and for ecosystem functioning. The tidal inlets between the East Frisian islands connect the back-barrier intertidal flats to the North Sea. Here, concentrations of suspended particulate matter (SPM) in the water column are highly variable, depending on weather conditions and tides. In order to estimate the nature and quantity of sediment transport, in situ measurements were carried out at a Time Series Station in the tidal inlet between the islands of Spiekeroog and Langeoog. This study shows the suitability of multispectral transmissometry (MST) for obtaining long-term SPM measurements with high resolution. The comparability of this technique to the standard filter method and the laser diffraction method [laser in situ scattering and transmissometry (LISST)] is demonstrated. In addition, the Junge coefficients derived from both MST and LISST measurements are compared. A time series of SPM data covering nearly 4 months is presented. As a major result, the data reveal that a single storm surge can have less impact on SPM dynamics than longer-lasting gales. This high-resolution long-term data set is very valuable for modelling suspended matter flux. It also provides background information for studying the influence of SPM dynamics on coastal sediments.     

A Novel Four-Wavelength Transmissometer for Distinguishing Haze and Fog

Haze and fog exhibit different microphysical and optical properties according to Mie scattering theory. Haze particles are smaller than fog droplets. Light of a shorter wavelength is reduced more than that of a longer wavelength during haze events. In fog, the differences between the extinction coefficients at different wavelengths are not as apparent. On the basis of the different light extinction characteristics of haze and fog, a novel four-wavelength transmissometer based on charge-coupled device （CCD） imaging was designed to distinguish haze from fog with central wavelengths at 415, 516, 650, and 850 nm. The four-wavelength transmissometer was tested in an insitu experiment during the winter of 2009. Fog was determined when the differences of the extinction coefficients at the four wavelengths were not notable, whereas haze was determined when the light at shorter wavelengths was significantly more reduced than that at longer wavelengths. A threshold which describes the relative size of the extinction coefficients at the four wavelengths was defined to distinguish between fog and haze. The four-wavelength transmissometer provided results consistent with the commercial fog monitor during several measurements made in fog and haze events, especially under conditions of low visibility and high relative humidity.     

前向散射式能见度仪检测不确定度评定方法

根据能见度计量检测实验室(合肥)前向散射式能见度仪检测实例,展示了前向散射式能见度仪检测结果的测量不确定度评定方法。首先,介绍了能见度检测系统组成和技术要求;其次,建立前向散射式能见度仪示值误差测量模型,分析了测量不确定度来源;最后,依据不同的评定方法,对测量不确定度分量进行评定。研究结果表明:前向散射式能见度仪检测结果的不确定度分量主要有被测能见度仪、测量标准器、试验舱引入的标准不确定度。在50m和200m检测点,示值误差的扩展不确定度U(k=2)分别为4.9m和14.3m;在500~10000m检测点,相对扩展不确定度U(k=2)在8.5%~11.0%之间。