DIMENSIONAL PARAMETERS OF RESOLVED GLITTER FROM THE BAY OF PANAMA,
Abstract
Studies were made of the temporal and spatial distribution and dimensions of resolved reflections from a wind-stressed water surface in the Bay of Panama using a modification of Schooley's vertical flash technique at a photographic scale of 17:1. The mean spacing of 'glints' at wind velocities of 6-12 knots was about 0.5 inches leading to a maximum glitter density of 75,000 glints/sq ft/sec. Large waves reduced this density to a mean measured value of about 10,000 glints/sq ft/sec and an oil slick further reduced the density to about 360 glints/sq ft/sec. A mean maximum slope of about 9 degrees was reduced by an oil slick to somewhat less than 4 degrees. Glint dimensions averaged 0.04 x 0.14 inches for clean water and 0.07 x 0.29 inches for slick covered water. Distribution of numbers of glints as a function of slope was approximately Gaussian. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0622571
Entities
People
- Kingsley G. Williams
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory