Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy

David Alan Rolbiecki

doi:doi:10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11

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Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy

David Alan Rolbiecki^*

Published in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Volume 10, Issue 2)

Received: 7 May 2025 Accepted: 6 June 2025 Published: 23 June 2025

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Abstract

This research represents the author’s thesis, which was completed in 1998, in partial fulfilment of the Master of Science degree in biology from the University of North Texas, Denton, United States, culminating in twelve months of field collection carried out in conjunction with the Lake Texoma Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. The purpose of this research was to characterize the underwater light regime in Lake Texoma using secchi disk, submarine photometer, and high-resolution spectroscopy at eleven fixed stations from August 1996 to August 1997. The objectives of this research was to 1) measure Secchi transparency at each station with submarine photometry to characterize seasonal and spatial values of secchi depth (SD); 2) determine vertical attenuation coefficients (η”) and depth of euphotic zone (Zeu); 3) Compare secchi depth (SD), Zeu, and η” with published data taken from other water bodies; 4) Model SD and η” with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods; 5) Obtain spectral data in narrow bandwidths from 300 to 800nm using high-resolution spectroscopy; 6) Examine spectral irradiance, reflectance, and attenuation in the green (500-600nm), red (600-700nm), and near-infrared (700-800nm) spectrum; and 7) Model reflectance spectra with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods. Indices of Zeu: SD and η” x SD were compared with universally applied values derived from published research of inland and coastal waters. Turbidity explained 76% of the variation (p = 0.0001) of η” among water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a. Spectral signatures of chlorophyll-a and turbidity were measured with the spectroradiometer and quantified. Stations with low turbidity exhibited a distinct green reflectance peak around 590-610 nanometers, indicating presence of chlorophyll-a. Stations with high turbidity exhibited a reflectance peak shift towards the red spectrum, making it difficult to detect the chlorophyll signature. Derivative analysis of the reflectance signal at 590-610, and 720-780 nanometers allowed discrimination of this chlorophyll signature from those of turbidity (0.66 < r² < 0.99).

Published in	Ecology and Evolutionary Biology (Volume 10, Issue 2)
DOI	10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11
Page(s)	34-103
Creative Commons	This is an Open Access article, distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, provided the original work is properly cited.
Copyright	Copyright © The Author(s), 2025. Published by Science Publishing Group

Keywords

Secchi Depth, Depth of the Euphotic Zone, Photosynthetically Available Radiation, Attenuation Coefficients, Spectral Irradiance, Reflectance Spectra, Absorption, Chlorophyll-A, Turbidity, Submarine Photometer, Spectroradiometer, Blue-green-red-infra Red Spectrum, Derivative Analysis

References

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Rolbiecki, D. A. (2025). Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 10(2), 34-103. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11

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Rolbiecki, D. A. Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy. Ecol. Evol. Biol. 2025, 10(2), 34-103. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11

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Rolbiecki DA. Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy. Ecol Evol Biol. 2025;10(2):34-103. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11

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@article{10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11,
  author = {David Alan Rolbiecki},
  title = {Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy},
  journal = {Ecology and Evolutionary Biology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {34-103},
  doi = {10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eeb.20251002.11},
  abstract = {This research represents the author’s thesis, which was completed in 1998, in partial fulfilment of the Master of Science degree in biology from the University of North Texas, Denton, United States, culminating in twelve months of field collection carried out in conjunction with the Lake Texoma Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. The purpose of this research was to characterize the underwater light regime in Lake Texoma using secchi disk, submarine photometer, and high-resolution spectroscopy at eleven fixed stations from August 1996 to August 1997. The objectives of this research was to 1) measure Secchi transparency at each station with submarine photometry to characterize seasonal and spatial values of secchi depth (SD); 2) determine vertical attenuation coefficients (η”) and depth of euphotic zone (Zeu); 3) Compare secchi depth (SD), Zeu, and η” with published data taken from other water bodies; 4) Model SD and η” with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods; 5) Obtain spectral data in narrow bandwidths from 300 to 800nm using high-resolution spectroscopy; 6) Examine spectral irradiance, reflectance, and attenuation in the green (500-600nm), red (600-700nm), and near-infrared (700-800nm) spectrum; and 7) Model reflectance spectra with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods. Indices of Zeu: SD and η” x SD were compared with universally applied values derived from published research of inland and coastal waters. Turbidity explained 76% of the variation (p = 0.0001) of η” among water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a. Spectral signatures of chlorophyll-a and turbidity were measured with the spectroradiometer and quantified. Stations with low turbidity exhibited a distinct green reflectance peak around 590-610 nanometers, indicating presence of chlorophyll-a. Stations with high turbidity exhibited a reflectance peak shift towards the red spectrum, making it difficult to detect the chlorophyll signature. Derivative analysis of the reflectance signal at 590-610, and 720-780 nanometers allowed discrimination of this chlorophyll signature from those of turbidity (0.66 2 < 0.99).},
 year = {2025}
}

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TY  - JOUR
T1  - Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy
AU  - David Alan Rolbiecki
Y1  - 2025/06/23
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11
T2  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JF  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JO  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
SP  - 34
EP  - 103
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3762
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11
AB  - This research represents the author’s thesis, which was completed in 1998, in partial fulfilment of the Master of Science degree in biology from the University of North Texas, Denton, United States, culminating in twelve months of field collection carried out in conjunction with the Lake Texoma Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. The purpose of this research was to characterize the underwater light regime in Lake Texoma using secchi disk, submarine photometer, and high-resolution spectroscopy at eleven fixed stations from August 1996 to August 1997. The objectives of this research was to 1) measure Secchi transparency at each station with submarine photometry to characterize seasonal and spatial values of secchi depth (SD); 2) determine vertical attenuation coefficients (η”) and depth of euphotic zone (Zeu); 3) Compare secchi depth (SD), Zeu, and η” with published data taken from other water bodies; 4) Model SD and η” with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods; 5) Obtain spectral data in narrow bandwidths from 300 to 800nm using high-resolution spectroscopy; 6) Examine spectral irradiance, reflectance, and attenuation in the green (500-600nm), red (600-700nm), and near-infrared (700-800nm) spectrum; and 7) Model reflectance spectra with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods. Indices of Zeu: SD and η” x SD were compared with universally applied values derived from published research of inland and coastal waters. Turbidity explained 76% of the variation (p = 0.0001) of η” among water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a. Spectral signatures of chlorophyll-a and turbidity were measured with the spectroradiometer and quantified. Stations with low turbidity exhibited a distinct green reflectance peak around 590-610 nanometers, indicating presence of chlorophyll-a. Stations with high turbidity exhibited a reflectance peak shift towards the red spectrum, making it difficult to detect the chlorophyll signature. Derivative analysis of the reflectance signal at 590-610, and 720-780 nanometers allowed discrimination of this chlorophyll signature from those of turbidity (0.66 2 < 0.99).
VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

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David Alan Rolbiecki

Texas Military Department, Texas National Guard, Camp Mabry, Austin, The United States

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Rolbiecki, D. A. (2025). Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy. Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, 10(2), 34-103. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11

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Rolbiecki, D. A. Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy. Ecol. Evol. Biol. 2025, 10(2), 34-103. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11

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AMA Style

Rolbiecki DA. Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy. Ecol Evol Biol. 2025;10(2):34-103. doi: 10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11

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@article{10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11,
  author = {David Alan Rolbiecki},
  title = {Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy},
  journal = {Ecology and Evolutionary Biology},
  volume = {10},
  number = {2},
  pages = {34-103},
  doi = {10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11},
  url = {https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11},
  eprint = {https://article.sciencepublishinggroup.com/pdf/10.11648.j.eeb.20251002.11},
  abstract = {This research represents the author’s thesis, which was completed in 1998, in partial fulfilment of the Master of Science degree in biology from the University of North Texas, Denton, United States, culminating in twelve months of field collection carried out in conjunction with the Lake Texoma Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. The purpose of this research was to characterize the underwater light regime in Lake Texoma using secchi disk, submarine photometer, and high-resolution spectroscopy at eleven fixed stations from August 1996 to August 1997. The objectives of this research was to 1) measure Secchi transparency at each station with submarine photometry to characterize seasonal and spatial values of secchi depth (SD); 2) determine vertical attenuation coefficients (η”) and depth of euphotic zone (Zeu); 3) Compare secchi depth (SD), Zeu, and η” with published data taken from other water bodies; 4) Model SD and η” with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods; 5) Obtain spectral data in narrow bandwidths from 300 to 800nm using high-resolution spectroscopy; 6) Examine spectral irradiance, reflectance, and attenuation in the green (500-600nm), red (600-700nm), and near-infrared (700-800nm) spectrum; and 7) Model reflectance spectra with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods. Indices of Zeu: SD and η” x SD were compared with universally applied values derived from published research of inland and coastal waters. Turbidity explained 76% of the variation (p = 0.0001) of η” among water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a. Spectral signatures of chlorophyll-a and turbidity were measured with the spectroradiometer and quantified. Stations with low turbidity exhibited a distinct green reflectance peak around 590-610 nanometers, indicating presence of chlorophyll-a. Stations with high turbidity exhibited a reflectance peak shift towards the red spectrum, making it difficult to detect the chlorophyll signature. Derivative analysis of the reflectance signal at 590-610, and 720-780 nanometers allowed discrimination of this chlorophyll signature from those of turbidity (0.66 2 < 0.99).},
 year = {2025}
}

Copy | Download

TY  - JOUR
T1  - Underwater Optical Properties of Lake Texoma (Oklahoma-Texas) Using Secchi Disk, Submarine Photometer, and High-resolution Spectroscopy
AU  - David Alan Rolbiecki
Y1  - 2025/06/23
PY  - 2025
N1  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11
DO  - 10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11
T2  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JF  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
JO  - Ecology and Evolutionary Biology
SP  - 34
EP  - 103
PB  - Science Publishing Group
SN  - 2575-3762
UR  - https://doi.org/10.11648/j.eeb.20251002.11
AB  - This research represents the author’s thesis, which was completed in 1998, in partial fulfilment of the Master of Science degree in biology from the University of North Texas, Denton, United States, culminating in twelve months of field collection carried out in conjunction with the Lake Texoma Water Quality Monitoring Program (WQMP) funded by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Tulsa District. The purpose of this research was to characterize the underwater light regime in Lake Texoma using secchi disk, submarine photometer, and high-resolution spectroscopy at eleven fixed stations from August 1996 to August 1997. The objectives of this research was to 1) measure Secchi transparency at each station with submarine photometry to characterize seasonal and spatial values of secchi depth (SD); 2) determine vertical attenuation coefficients (η”) and depth of euphotic zone (Zeu); 3) Compare secchi depth (SD), Zeu, and η” with published data taken from other water bodies; 4) Model SD and η” with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods; 5) Obtain spectral data in narrow bandwidths from 300 to 800nm using high-resolution spectroscopy; 6) Examine spectral irradiance, reflectance, and attenuation in the green (500-600nm), red (600-700nm), and near-infrared (700-800nm) spectrum; and 7) Model reflectance spectra with water quality parameters taken during the sampling periods. Indices of Zeu: SD and η” x SD were compared with universally applied values derived from published research of inland and coastal waters. Turbidity explained 76% of the variation (p = 0.0001) of η” among water quality parameters, including chlorophyll-a. Spectral signatures of chlorophyll-a and turbidity were measured with the spectroradiometer and quantified. Stations with low turbidity exhibited a distinct green reflectance peak around 590-610 nanometers, indicating presence of chlorophyll-a. Stations with high turbidity exhibited a reflectance peak shift towards the red spectrum, making it difficult to detect the chlorophyll signature. Derivative analysis of the reflectance signal at 590-610, and 720-780 nanometers allowed discrimination of this chlorophyll signature from those of turbidity (0.66 2 < 0.99).
VL  - 10
IS  - 2
ER  -

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