Estimation of the inherent optical properties of natural waters from the irradiance attenuation coefficient and reflectance in the presence of Raman scattering

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
By means of radiative transfer simulations we developed a model for estimating the absorption a, the scattering b, and the backscattering b b coefficients in the upper ocean from irradiance reflectance just beneath the sea surface, R(0-), and the average attenuation coefficient for downwelling irradiance, 〈K d〉1, between the surface and the first attenuation depth. The model accounts for Raman scattering by water, and it does not require any assumption about the spectral shapes of a, b, and b b. The best estimations are obtained for a and b b in the blue and green spectral regions, where errors of a few percent to R(0-) and 〈K d〉1, can be retrieved from remote sensing and the model output, a and b b, is the major determinant of remote-sensing reflectance.