Variability in the Backscattering to Scattering and F/Q Ratios Observed in Natural Waters
Abstract
Variability of the backscattering to scattering (bb/b) and the upwelling irradiance/upwelling radiance (f/Q) ratios affect the accurate retrieval of inherent optical properties from ocean color satellite algorithms (SeaWiFS and MODIS). We investigate the variability of bb/b and the f/Q in coastal and open-ocean surface waters of the Northern Gulf of Mexico and U.S. East Coast off New Jersey. In situ measurements of scattering (b) from an ac9 probe were collected with concurrent measurements of bb from a six channel Hydroscat sensor. We compare the measured bb/b values with values derived from the Petzold Volume Scattering Functions (Petzoldl4), examine the spectral variability of the ratio and examine the variability in different water types related to the changes in the Volume Scattering Function (VSF). In addition, we estimate the T*f/Q (Mobley9) term from above-water measurements of remote sensing reflectance (Rrs) coupled with direct measurements of absorption (a) and backscattering (bb) coefficients. We will examine the spectral dependence of the T*f7Q term and its relationship to the bb/b ratio, which we use as a substitute for the changing VSF. Finally, we will show how the estimated T*f/Q values vary from the commonly used value of 0.051 used for satellite processing.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 2002
- Accession Number
- ADA413735
Entities
People
- Alan Dean Weidemann
- Richard W Gould
- Robert A. Arnone
- Sherwin D. Ladner
- Vladimir I. Haltrin
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory