calcPhotic: Calculate Euphotic Depth

In rLakeHabitat: Interpolate Bathymetry and Quantify Physical Aquatic Habitat

Calculate Euphotic Depth

Description

Calculates euphotic depth from a Secchi disk measuremnt (meters) based on relationships between light attenuation (Kd), optical properties of water (F), and a measured Secchi depth (Zsd). Based on equations specified by Kirk (1994) and Koenings and Edmundson (1991).

Usage

calcPhotic(Z, F = 1.99)

Arguments

Z	numeric value for measured Secchi disk depth in meters
F	numerical constant that accounts for optical properties of water, default = 1.99

Details

Kirk, J. T. O. (1994). Light and Photosynthesis in Aquatic Ecosystems. Cambridge University Press. Koenings, J. P., & Edmundson, J. A. (1991). Secchi disk and photometer estimates of light regimes in Alaskan lakes: Effects of yellow color and turbidity. Limnology and Oceanography, 36(1), 91–105. https://doi.org/10.4319/lo.1991.36.1.0091

We recommend finding a value from the literature that most accurately reflects the water quality of the study system, but values for generalized conditions are included from Koenings and Edmundson (1991). F = 2.76 for stained lakes F = 1.99 for clear lakes F = 1.05 for turbid lakes

Author(s)

Tristan Blechinger, Department of Zoology & Physiology, University of Wyoming

Examples

calcPhotic(Z = 4, F = 1.99)

rLakeHabitat documentation built on March 28, 2026, 1:06 a.m.