Wave-Induced Fluctuations in Underwater Light Field: Analysis of Data from RaDyO Experiments

摘要

This project is part of the Radiance in a Dynamic Ocean (RaDyO) program which aims at developing an understanding of variability in underwater light field and its relation to dynamic processes within the ocean-atmosphere boundary layer. We investigate fluctuations in underwater light field produced by sea surface waves under various boundary conditions. Our objectives focus on the characterization of wave-induced fluctuations in downwelling irradiance and radiance as a function of various environmental parameters and depth of observation. The central theme of our study is to characterize the most intense light fluctuations at shallow depths produced by surface wave focusing under sunny conditions. The focusing events occur in the form of high-amplitude short- duration pulses, which we refer to as light flashes. The specific objectives of this project over the past year were to analyze field data collected during the RaDyO experiments carried out in 2008 and 2009 with special emphasis on the characterization of methodology for investigating wave-induced light fluctuations and probability distributions of instantaneous irradiance within the near-surface ocean under sunny conditions.