The Influence of Water Turbidity on the Performance of a Laser Airborne Depth Sounder

摘要

During flight trials of a laser airborne depth sounder (WRELADS), measurements were made of the optical attenuation coefficient of coastal waters in both South Australia and Queensland. Measurements of the attenuation coefficient at wavelengths from 400 nm to 600 nm are reported for a range of different water types, and the suitability for depth sounding of the laser wavelength 532 nm is confirmed. Variations of the attenuation coefficient at 530 nm over two vertical sections of sea water are reported and factors influencing the turbidity are suggested. Return signals recorded by the depth sounder are compared with measured attenuation coefficients of the water. It is shown that the maximum measurable water depth varies from below 4 to above 10 attenuation lengths, depending on the turbidity of the water. (Author)