Ocean Optical Modeling: Light Field Structure, Internal Radiant Emission, and Vertical Inhomogeneities
Abstract
The overall goals of this project are the determination of the most significant optical parameters needed for the modeling and prediction of the penetration and second-order reemission of light in the sea. This problem is confounded by the multiple scattering of the penetrating and secondarily emitted photons. This multiple scattering phenomenon creates non-linearities in the submarine photic field which dictates that the most efficient approach to solve the problem is the Monte Carlo simulation of photon penetration. I have been developing code for Monte Carlo simulations of photon penetration and an exciting development is the porting of this code to the Cray Y-MP supercomputer. I have been given computer time for this development at the North Carolina Supercomputer Center, and I have also done development on the Primary Oceanographic Prediction System (POPS) at the Cray Y-MP of the U.S. Naval Oceanographic Office, Stennis Space Center, Bay St. Louis, MS. In the short term the operational limits for the optical parameters used to characterize the light climate for the open ocean will be established. These limits on the parameters that can be conveniently measured (apparent optical properties) will be determined from the Monte Carlo simulations employing the inherent optical properties. That is, the apparent optical properties can be derived from the Monte Carlo simulations using the inherent optical properties. Thus, reliable links will be established between the easily measured apparent optical properties and the more difficult inherent optical properties. The end result of this effort connecting the inherent and apparent optical properties will be a robust and reliable 'standard ocean model'.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA248272
Entities
People
- Robert H. Stavn
Organizations
- University of North Carolina at Greensboro