Sensors for Measuring the Volume Scattering Function of Oceanic Waters
Abstract
LONG-TERM GOAL. Characterizing the volume scattering function (VSF) of oceanic waters still remains one of the most outstanding problems in optical oceanography. The goal of this program is to advance significantly our knowledge of the VSF of oceanic waters, particularly coastal waters. To achieve this goal we will develop new VSF instruments that will be capable of accurately and routinely measuring in situ profiles of the complete VSF. OBJECTIVES. Our scientific objective is to measure, in situ, the volume scattering function concomitant with other optical property measurements and the particle size distribution in a wide variety of oceanic waters. Since we already have at hand a number of instruments and methods for measuring the absorption, beam attenuation, and backward-scattering coefficients, the VSF measurement will provide the only missing link to definitively testing instrument closure. By means of closure we will be able to precisely document the accuracy of our optical property measurements. A related objective is investigate the accuracy of using Mie theory to compute the VSF based on the particle size distribution and index of refraction (which is usually inferred). In general we will apply our VSF measurements to a wide variety of modeling problems in optical oceanography. Our technological objective is to develop accurate, in-situ profiling instruments that can measure the VSF over the range of scattering angles from 0.1 to 170 degrees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 30, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA635923
Entities
People
- Robert A. Maffione