Some Problems in Oceanic Radiative Transfer
Abstract
The research describes the distribution of phyto-plankton in the world's oceans through their influence on the optical properties of the water. Optically, phytoplankton reveal their presence through the absorption of light by their photosynthetic (chlorophyll a) and accessory pigments. This is usually indirectly inferred by virtue of its effect on the apparent optical properties: the diffuse reflectance of the water, e.g., the color of the water, or the downwelling irradiance attenuation coefficient. The construction of mathematical models which simulate a closely as possible the physical processes can make a very valuable contribution because the various parameters are known and carefully controlled in the models. Two specific interrelated goals for the present research are: 1) to understand the influence of the optical properties of the ocean as determined by the concentration of phytoplankton, detrital particles, dissolved organic material, etc., on the transport of light from a point source in the ocean to the sea surface, for possible application to the remote (surface) detection of bioluminescence; and 2) to understand the dependence of the classical apparent optical properties (the irradiance attenuation coefficient and the diffuse reflectance) on the inherent optical properties (absorption and scattering coefficient and the volume scattering function). (AW)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA215935
Entities
People
- Howard R. Gordon
Organizations
- University of Miami