Parameter: optical_density

Short Description: 
optical_density
Short Name: 
optical_density
Official Name: 
optical_density
Units: 
usually unitless
No Data Value: 
nd
Description

Measurement of the degree to which light at specific wavelengths pass through a medium.  The more dense the medium, the less light passes through.  Optical density is usually measured with a spectrophotometer set at a specific wavelength for a specific medium or solution.  Optical density can be used to measure the concentration of bacteria or phytoplankton.