| Symbol/Abbreviation | Description | Unit |
| λ | Wavelength | nm |
| CDOM | Chromophoric Dissolved Organic Matter |
|
| UGC | Upper Gulf of California |
|
| NGC | Northern Gulf of California |
|
| Chla | Chlorophyll a | mg/m3 |
| Kd | Light attenuation coefficient | m−1 |
| 1OD | first optical depth | m |
| OD | Optical density |
|
| ap(λ) | Particulate absorption coefficient | m−1 |
| ad(λ) | Non-Algal Particle (or detrital) absorption coefficient | m−1 |
| aph(λ) | Phytoplankton absorption coefficient | m−1 |
| aCDOM(λ) | CDOM absorption coefficient | m−1 |