Abstract

An expression is derived for the rate at which the diffuse attenuation coefficient for vector irradiance approaches its asymptotic value in a homogeneous medium. The asymptotic approach rate is shown to be a function of boundary conditions at the surface and the asymptotic diffuse attenuation coefficient which is an inherent optical property. The asymptotic approach rate may then be used to derive the vertical structure of the irradiances as well as the remotely sensed reflectance at the surface. The theory then is applied to inhomogeneous oceans by assuming them to be composed of a large number of homogeneous layers. It is shown that the vertical structure of the scalar and vector irradiance and the nadir radiance can be calculated from the vertical structure of the inherent optical properties using the theory. The theory is inverted to show that in principle the vertical structure of the absorption, scattering, attenuation, and backscattering coefficients may be derived from the vertical structure of the scalar and vector irradiances and the nadir radiance.

© 1989 Optical Society of America