Optical properties and light penetration in the waters of the Gulf of Trieste (north Adriatic Sea).

This is the first systematic study on the relationships between optical properties and hydrological and biological conditions in the Gulf of Trieste, north Adriatic Sea. The inherent and apparent optical properties (IOPs and AOPs) have been regularly monitored since January 2002, together with traditional hydrological parameters, with the aim of investigating the spatial and temporal patterns of bio-optical properties in this shallow coastal area. The results of this two-year monitoring point to high temporal variability of this shallow coastal ecosystem with regard to its optical characteristics, beside the well-known variability in hydrological and biological phenomena. The most prominent physical and bio-optical signals observed were associated to seasonal variability, however, several important events interrupted the seasonal cycle. Continental inputs, and phytoplankton blooms are the dominant sources of optical variability and these events can strongly vary in duration and spatial extent.