Backscattering ratio variation and its implications for studying particle composition: A case study in Yellow and East China seas

Using in situ optical measurements collected during the 2003 spring cruise over the Yellow and East China seas, the particle backscattering ratio is calculated and spectral variability is analyzed by means of geometric mean regression. The analysis shows that the particle backscattering ratio can be regarded as wavelength‐independent in the range of 442–676 nm, given the measurement uncertainties associated with the backscattering and scattering data. The backscattering ratio and attenuation measurements are used to calculate the particle refractive index, which is related to the particle composition. The distributions of the particle refractive index and the water component concentration along two transects suggest the feasibility for studying the particle composition.