An Expendable Measuring Device for Light Attenuation in the Ocean.

摘要

The feasibility of an inexpensive expendable device for determining the diffuse attenuation coefficient k for downwelling irradiance in ocean waters is investigated. A suggested instrument for such measurements in a modified standard US Navy Expendable Bathythermograph (XBT) probe used in conjunction with an unmodified launcher and recorder. Information gained from such a device would rapidly supplement existing inadequate data and could be utilized by tacticians in determining the capabilities of underwater optical systems to a higher degree of certainty than presently possible. In addition such a probe could be used by fisheries biologists to calculate euphotic depths and to improve standing phytoplankton crop estimates. (Author)