Chinese Academy of Sciences

Abstract—Many researchers have studied the properties of chlorophyll-a vertical distribution in open ocean waters by now, and little is found for coastal waters. In the study, the chlorophyll-a vertical distribution of Yantai coastal waters is analyzed and a polynomial model is used to appraise the trend. Furthermore, the Gaussian model according to open waters is used to testify the practicability for coastal waters. The ratio between chlorophyll-a and turbidity is also discussed in order to predict the distribution trend. Finally, some conclusions could be achieved: A chlorophyll-a maximum in vertical direction could be seen and the maximum appears at about 6～8 meter depth in our research areas. The chlorophyll-a vertical distribution is similar to open ocean waters. Secondly, the euphotic layer is about 6~8 meter depth. Thirdly, under the depth of maximum chlorophyll-a concentration, chlorophyll-a concentration has negative correlation to the turbidity concentration in vertical direction. Based on above conclusion, the total chlorophyll-a could be achieved by calculating definite integrate of the simulation functions. This verifies the relationships of the surface and total chlorophyll-a concentration, which is the basis of primary production by the method of remote sensing. Index Terms—chlorophyll-a; vertical distribution; Yantai coastal waters; Gaussian model; ratio of chlorophyll-a vs turbidity I