STUDIES ON THE ALBEDO OF THE SEA SURFACE.
Abstract
The distribution of the sea-surface albedo as a function of the total incident radiation, the indirect or sky radiation, and the back-scattered radiation from within the water, all as a function of the sun's altitude above the horizon is investigated for Long Island Sound. The effect of the indirect sky radiation on the albedo is shown to be the dominant contributing factor governing the temporal distribution of the albedo, particularly at low solar elevations and under overcast sky conditions. It is demonstrated that the effect of waves under the conditions in which these data were obtained, that is, under light to moderate wind conditions, can be neglected. The contribution to the sea surface albedo by the back-scattered radiation from within the water was found to be at a maximum during the local noon period and amounting to as much as 15% of the measured albedo. Further, it was shown that the ratio of the back-scattered radiation to the total incident radiation is virtually constant, approximately 1/2% in value, throughout the day. Equations for predicting the albedo and the contribution from within the water are presented. The result of using these data to compute the coefficient is a function of solar altitude where heretofore it has been assumed to be constant under the assumption that the sky radiation was isotropic. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 01, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0834908
Entities
People
- R. Hollman
Organizations
- New York University