Biological Response to the Dynamic Spectral-Polarized Underwater Light Field

Abstract

Camouflage in marine environments requires matching all of the background optical properties: spectral, intensity and polarization components- all of which can change dynamically in space and time. Our research investigates the biological challenge of camouflage in the near-shore littoral zone and near-surface marine environments in two distinct water types found in coastal environments around the globe (oligotrophic and eutrophic). We aim to characterize the dynamic light field along with the behavioral and cellular response of camouflaging animals in these environments. Our longterm goal is to identify the biological pathways for concealment against the underwater spectral-polarized light field enabling us to identify design principles for future naval camouflage.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2010
Accession Number
ADA541131

Entities

People

  • Molly E. Cummings

Organizations

  • University of Texas at Austin

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Air Platforms
  • Autonomy
  • Ground and Sea Platforms
  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animals
  • Cells
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Fish
  • Habitats
  • Intensity
  • Linear Polarization
  • Measurement
  • Optical Properties
  • Optics
  • Particles
  • Polarization
  • Polarizers
  • Reflectance
  • Reflection
  • Refractive Index
  • Three Dimensional

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Coastal Oceanography
  • Image Processing and Computer Vision.
  • Vision Science/Vision Psychology/Cognitive Neuroscience.

Technology Areas

  • Space