Radiance in a Dynamic Ocean (RaDyO): Radiance and Visibility as Affected by Inherent Optical Properties

Abstract : The long-term goal of in a Dynamic Ocean (RaDyO): Radiance and Visibility as Affected by Inherent Optical Properties is to perform detailed investigations of inherent optical properties (IOPs) and the effects of IOP variability on underwater radiance and visibility. As part of this effort, Sea Engineering, Inc. (SEI) will also provide all data from the Scripps Pier and Santa Barbara Channel (SBC) RaDyO experiments to the ONR and to all other RaDyO investigators, with a detailed report describing the technical approach and algorithms used for data processing. The primary objectives of the Radiance in a Dynamic Ocean (RaDyO) program are to: 1) Examine time-dependent oceanic radiance distribution in relation to dynamic surface boundary layer (SBL) processes. 2) Construct a radiance-based SBL model. 3) Validate the model with field observations. 4) Investigate the feasibility of inverting the model to yield SBL conditions. As part of the RaDyO project, SEI will perform RaDyO IOP data processing and analysis including data sharing with other RaDyO PIs. Data post-processing includes application of field-calibrations, corrections for temperature, salinity, and scattering effects, and comparisons with similar IOP data collected by RaDyO collaborators. IOP data analysis as related to the RaDyO program will include detailed investigations of the differences, if any, between optical properties and optical variability measured off the R/P FLIP and off the R/V Kilo Moana (KM) during the RaDyO SBC experiment and the effects of optical variability on the modeling of the underwater radiance distribution and visibility.