Polarized light in coastal waters: hyperspectral and multiangular analysis

Area of Science:

• Ocean optics
• Remote sensing
• Polarimetry

Background:

• Understanding underwater light fields is crucial for oceanographic studies.
• Polarized light measurements provide unique insights into water properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To measure the underwater polarized light field in coastal waters.
• To validate a new hyperspectral and multiangular polarimeter.
• To compare field measurements with theoretical models.

Main Methods:

• Field measurements using a novel hyperspectral and multiangular polarimeter.
• Data collection in New York Harbor - Sandy Hook, NJ coastal region.
• Comparison with Monte Carlo radiative transfer simulations.

Main Results:

• Angular and spectral variations of polarization degree were consistent with theory.
• Maximum polarization degree observed was below 0.4 near 100° scattering angle.
• Normalized radiances and polarization showed good agreement with simulations.

Conclusions:

• The developed polarimeter is effective for measuring underwater polarized light.
• Field data supports theoretical models of light propagation in coastal waters.
• The study validates radiative transfer models for atmosphere-ocean systems.