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Radiative transfer: a technique for simulating the ocean in satellite remote sensing calculations
Applied Optics
|February 19, 2010
Summary
This study simplifies ocean-atmosphere radiative transfer calculations by modeling the ocean as a Lambertian reflector. This method accurately simulates remote sensing of ocean color, even with varied atmospheric aerosol concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Oceanography
- Atmospheric Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Accurate radiative transfer modeling is crucial for ocean color remote sensing.
- Existing models often require detailed, difficult-to-obtain ocean optical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simplified method for calculating ocean-atmosphere radiative transfer.
- To enable accurate ocean color remote sensing without extensive ocean optical data.
Main Methods:
- Simulating the ocean's effect as a Lambertian reflector beneath the sea surface.
- Analyzing radiative transfer in atmospheres with varying aerosol concentrations (up to 10x normal).
Main Results:
- Upwelling radiance beneath the sea surface is approximately uniform, validating the Lambertian reflector approximation.
- Atmospheric radiative transfer remains nearly identical for homogeneous and stratified atmospheres of equal optical thickness, even with high aerosol loads.
Conclusions:
- The simplified radiative transfer method is effective for ocean color remote sensing.
- The approach reduces the need for detailed ocean optical property data, enhancing applicability.
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