A new algorithm to retrieve chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) absorption spectra in the UV from ocean color

Accurate estimation of the absorption coefficient (a_g) for chromophoric dissolved organic matter (CDOM) over ultraviolet (UV) and short visible radiation wavelengths (with λ = 275-450 nm) is crucial to provide a robust assessment of the biogeochemical significance of UV in the global ocean. Using a training data set spanning a variety of water types from the clearest open ocean to dynamic inshore waters, a novel algorithm to accurately resolve CDOM absorption spectra from ocean color is presented. Employing a suite of multivariate statistical approaches (principal component analysis, cluster analysis, and multiple linear regression), this new algorithm was developed with matched field data for CDOM spectra and remote sensing reflectance (R_rs) at Sea-viewing Wide Field-of-view Sensor (SeaWiFS) bands. Freed from any presupposition about CDOM spectral shape or conventional spectral extrapolations from visible data, our algorithm allows direct retrieval of a fully resolved CDOM absorption spectrum over UV wavelengths from visible R_rs and further enables a global scale view of the dynamics of CDOM over different water types. Accuracy of a_g retrieval is good, with a mean absolute percent difference for a_g in the UV of ∼25%. With fully resolved spectra, maps of calculated CDOM spectral slopes (S_275-295, S_350-400) and slope ratios (S_R) are presented with the potential to provide new information about the chemical composition (e.g., molecular weight and aromaticity), sources, transformation, and cycling pathways of CDOM on global as well as regional scales. The new algorithm will contribute to improved accuracy for photochemical and photobiological rate calculations from ocean color. Key Points: CDOM UV spectra from ocean color are modeled with no spectral shape assumption CDOM spectra retrieved with high accuracy (e.g.,