Radiative transfer in an atmosphere-ocean system: An azimuthally dependent matrix-operator approach

Azimuthally dependent shortwave radiance in an atmosphere-ocean system is calculated for different types and concentrations of suspended matter in ocean and atmosphere. The transfer code, the matrix-operator method, is also applied to a rough ocean surface. With emphasis on remote sensing of oceanic constituents conditions for measurements are simulated to estimate the contribution of phytoplankton, sediment, and yellow substances to the ocean-leaving radiance within the 0.415-0.740-/xm wavelength interval. The masking of these upward radiances by surface reflection and atmospheric extinction is discussed. In most conditions upward spectral radiance in the nadir direction usually contains the highest proportion of the oceanic underlight, even for an ocean surface roughened by 7-m/sec wind speed at all sun elevations below the midlatitude noon condition. © 1984 Optical Society of America