The backward-scattering coefficient bb is an important optical property that plays a central role in studies of ocean-color remote sensing, suspended particle distributions, water clarity, and underwater visibility. We investigate the fixed-angle backscattering sensor approach for the application of measuring bb . Analysis shows that the sensor response to volume scattering can be expressed as the integral of the volume scattering function (VSF) over the backward angles (90 -180 degrees ) weighted by the sensor-response function. We present a procedure for determining the sensor-response function that contains all the information necessary to calibrate the sensor fully to measure the VSF at a nominal backscattering angle. It is shown that, for fixed-angle backscattering sensors,bb is most accurately estimated when the sensor-response function covers the middle range of backscattering angles, roughly 110 -160 degrees , where the shape of the VSF has the least variability. Backscattering at and near the end angles, namely, 90 degrees and 180 degrees , are least correlated with bb . We describe a variety of spectral backscattering sensors that we have developed, and we present their sensor-response functions.

No abstract

No abstract

This study uses derivative spectroscopy to assess qualitative and quantitative information regarding seafloor types that can be extracted from hyperspectral remote sensing reflectance signals. Carbonate sediments with variable concentrations of microbial pigments were used as a model system. Reflectance signals measured directly over sediment bottoms were compared with remotely sensed data from the same sites collected using an airborne sensor. Absorption features associated with accessory pigments in the sediments were lost to the water column. However major sediment pigments, chlorophyll a and fucoxanthin, were identified in the remote sensing spectra and showed quantitative correlation with sediment pigment concentrations. Derivative spectra were also used to create a simple bathymetric algorithm. Public reporting burden for the collection of information is estimated to average 1 hour per response, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information, including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Washington Headquarters Services, Directorate for Information Operations and Reports, 1215 Jefferson Davis Highway, Suite 1204, Arlington VA 22202-4302. Respondents should be aware that notwithstanding any other provision of law, no person shall be subject to a penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information if it does not display a currently valid OMB control number. 2002 Optical Society of America

No abstract