SBC LTER: Comparison of spherical and planar light sensors

Seafloor irradiance in permanent plots at three subtidal reefs off Santa Barbara, California was compared in spring 2016 using data collected from paired planar and spherical PAR sensors. The three reefs (Isla Vista 34° 23.275’N, 119° 32.792’W; Mohawk 34° 23.649’N, 119° 43.762’W; and Naples 34° 25.342’N, 119° 57.102’W) ranged in depth from 5.8 m to 8.9 m (MLLW) and were chosen to represent a range of physical and biological characteristics. The purpose of the comparison was to develop a method for calibrating irradiance data collected from the two types of sensors.