FLUORESCENT MATTER IN THE EARLY ATLANTIC-OCEAN .1. METHOD OF MEASUREMENT AND NEAR-SURFACE DISTRIBUTION

Fluorescence spectra of organic matter in seawater were measured durin g the cruise ANT-VIII/7 of R.V. Polarstern through the South and North Atlantic from Capetown (RSA) to Bremerhaven (Germany). The data are c alibrated by normalization to the water Raman scatter band which allow s their quantification without the need of fluorescence standards. Spe ctral structures are found which can be related to tryptophan and tyro sine-like substances, and to gelbstoff. Their distribution in the east ern Atlantic is discussed and compared with other hydrographic paramet ers.