Superactive pump-and-probe LIDAR technology: biophysical insight into aquatic remote sensing

Summary form only given. An advanced pump-and-probe (P&P) airborne LIDAR technology for remote monitoring of aquatic photosynthesis and complimentary environmental variables has been recently developed at Wallops Flight Facility (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center). The P&P LIDAR provides remote measurement of important phytoplankton photosynthetic characteristics, such as the functional absorption cross-section of photosystern II (PSII), PSII photochemical quantum yield, and PSII turnover time. In addition, the rate parameters of singlet-singlet and singlet-triplet quenching and carotenoid triplet lifetime are measured. A set of \´conventional\´ LIDAR characteristics, such as chlorophyll (Chl), phycoerythrin and dissolved organic matter fluorescence, as well as water Raman scattering are simultaneously retrieved for detailed characterization of the surveyed area. The utilization of an airplane as a platform allows the remote acquisition of unique biophysical and environmental data over large aquatic areas at synoptic space/time scales. The P&P LIDAR can be efficiently used in studies of regulatory mechanisms of biological "carbon pump" in the ocean and ocean responses to environmental changes, as well as for improved validation of satellite data and monitoring coastal processes and special events (phytoplankton blooms, nutrient deficiency, tidal mixing, floods, etc.).