Atmospheric And Oceanic Optics

Since the publication of Jerlov's classic volume on optical oceanography in 1968, the ability to predict or model the submarine light field, given measurements of the inherent optical properties of the ocean, has improved to the point that model fields are very close to measured fields. In the last three decades, remote sensing capabilities have fostered powerful models that can be inverted to estimate the inherent optical properties closely related to substances important for understanding global biological productivity, environmental quality, and most nearshore geophysical processes. This volume presents an eclectic blend of information on the theories, experiments, and instrumentation that now characterize the ways in which optical oceanography is studied. Through the course of this interdisciplinary work, the reader is led from the physical concepts of radiative transfer to the experimental techniques used in the lab and at sea, to process-oriented discussions of the biochemical mechanisms responsible for oceanic optical variability. The text will be of interest to researchers and students in physical and biological oceanography, biology, geophysics, limnology, atmospheric optics, and remote sensing of ocean and global climate change.

The book describes the theoretical fundamentals of atmospheric optics as a science of propagation, transformation and generation of electromagnetic radiation in the atmosphere from ultraviolet to microwave radiation. The main characteristics of the planets of the solar system and their atmospheres are given. The equation of the transfer of radiation in different spectral ranges, absorption of radiation by atmospheric gases and aerosol, molecular, aerosol and other types of nonresonant scattering, atmospheric refraction, reflection of radiation from the surface, and glow of the atmosphere are discussed. Methods of calculating radiation for the solar and thermal range of the spectrum are outlined. Problems of radiation energetics and remote probing of the atmosphere are discussed. 1. Solar system: planets and the Sun 2. Earth's atmosphere 3. Propagation of radiation in atmosphere 4. Molecular absorption in atmosphere 5. Scattering of light in atmosphere 6. Optical properties of underlying surfaces 7. Fundamentals of theory of transfer of natural radiation of atmosphere 8. Main concepts of theory of transfer of solar radiation 9. Radiation energetics of the atmosphereunderlying suface system 10. Radiation as a source of information on optical and physical parameters of planet atmospheres

The book introduces optical wave propagation in the irregular turbulent atmosphere and the relations to laser beam and LIDAR applications for both optical communication and imaging. It examines atmosphere fundamentals, structure, and content. It explains specific situations occurring in the irregular atmosphere and for specific natural phenomena that affect optical ray and laser beam propagation. It emphasizes how to use LIDAR to investigate atmospheric phenomena and predict primary parameters of the irregular turbulent atmosphere and suggests what kinds of optical devices to operate in different atmospheric situations to minimize the deleterious effects of natural atmospheric phenomena.

This updated edition provides a foundation of theoretical and practical aspects of radiative transfer for students and researchers in atmospheric, oceanic and environmental sciences.