Measurements of Wave-Induced Fluctuations in Underwater Radiance under Various Surface Boundary Conditions
Abstract
This project is part of the Radiance in a Dynamic Ocean (RaDyO) program which aims at developing an understanding of variability in underwater radiance distribution and its relation to dynamic processes within the ocean-atmosphere boundary layer. The principal objective of our project is to measure wave-induced fluctuations in underwater light field under various sea-surface boundary conditions. The specific objectives include the characterization of wave-induced fluctuations in downwelling irradiance and radiance as a function of various environmental parameters such as wind/wave conditions, sky radiance distribution, direction of radiance observation, depth of observation, and water optical properties. Because of the complexity of the problem and multiplicity of factors affecting the light field fluctuations, achieving a comprehensive characterization of all these effects is unrealistic within the timeframe of the RaDyO program. Our study will focus on selected problems and environmental factors as the project progresses throughout the phase of main field experiments. The central theme of our study is to characterize light fluctuations at shallow depths caused by surface wave focusing under clear skies. The focusing events are the most intense fluctuations that occur on temporal scales of a fraction of a second. The primary objectives for this reporting period were focused on the execution of two major field experiments, first the test experiment at the Scripps Pier in January 2008, and second, the main RaDyO experiment on FLIP and KILO MOANA in the Santa Barbara Channel in September 2008. The central idea of our project is to conduct in situ measurements of high-frequency fluctuations in underwater light field produced by surface waves under various boundary conditions. Our approach towards this objective builds largely on our past research experience in the area of wave-induced light fluctuations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2008
- Accession Number
- ADA517465
Entities
People
- Dariusz Stramski
Organizations
- Scripps Institution of Oceanography