Optical Variability and Bottom Classification in Turbid Waters: HyMOM Predictions of the Light Field in Ports and Beneath Ship Hulls.

摘要

The long-term goal of this research effort is to develop a method to predict the visible and ultraviolet radiance distribution in complex three-dimensional marine environments as found in ports, anchorages, and coastal waters. Effective deployment of AUV- or ROV-mounted sensors to inspect ship hulls and port facilities will depend on accurate, real-time prediction of the sub-surface optical environment at the time and place of inspection. Furthermore, since the active or passive camouflaging of divers, AUVs, and bottom objects is quite dependent upon masking the effects of three-dimensionality, 3-D optical models to evaluate such problems are being developed and implemented. While HyMOM will be used to calculate light fluxes to the bottom for foreign-object detection near structures such as coral heads, seawalls, and pilings, it is equally useful in ecological models dealing with the bleaching of corals and foraminifera and the photosynthesis of benthic plants.