Modeling of visibility of oil in the sea

摘要

Method and exemplary results of modeling of light reflectance function related to sea polluted with crude oil are explained. Crude oil existing as surface film and as suspension in the bulk of water is considered. The Monte Carlo method of photons life simulation is used in order to specify upward light fluxes. Results of modeling of oil contaminants visibility in the sea indicates the role of inherent optical properties of the seawater, sun elevation, weather or sea-state - besides of obvious factors like film thickness, oil droplets concentration or depth of 'oil cloud'. On the other hand - either oil concentration or 'cloud' depth does not indicate linear relation with the value of contrast of polluted area.