Acoustic Measurements of Tiny Optically Active Bubbles in the Upper Ocean

摘要

In this project, which is closely linked to a separate project where the goal is to measure wave induced bubble clouds and their effect on radiance in the upper ocean (N000140710754), we are addressing the disturbing fact that despite the fundamental importance of optical backscatter in the ocean it is still not possible to explain more than 5 to 10 percent of the particulate backscattering in the ocean based on known constituents even during periods with no active wave breaking. In this project we want to check the hypothesis that very small bubbles that have been stabilized by surfactants may be responsible for part of the 'missing' optical backscatter. This is accomplished by the development and use of broad-band acoustical resonator instrumentation.