Radiative Transfer in Seagrass Canopies
Abstract
The overall objective of this study is to develop models of radiative transfer for optically shallow waters with benthic substrates colonized by submerged plant canopies (seagrasses and seaweeds). Such models will enable the quantitative prediction of upward spectral radiation from vegetated seabeds, thereby permitting (i) the use of optical remote sensing to retrieve bathymetry, (ii) the search for submerged objects of anthropogenic origin and (iii) the mapping of submarine resource distribution and abundance in coastal waters. These models will also have important applications for predicting irradiance levels within SAV canopies, a task necessary for accurate determination of light requirements and photosynthetic productivity of these ecologically important, but increasingly vulnerable coastal resources.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1999
- Accession Number
- ADA630542
Entities
People
- Richard C. Zimmerman