Radiance in a Dynamic Ocean Summary

Little is presently known about the fundamental physics of radiative transfer across wavy ocean surfaces and within the upper ocean. To address this complex and challenging problem, the Office of Naval Research (ONR) has recently initiated "Radiance in a Dynamic Ocean (RaDyO)" an interdisciplinary research initiative. The research objective of RaDyO is to investigate and develop predictive numerical models of the time-dependent distribution of radiance within the upper ocean. The primary goals are to:

• Examine the time-dependent distribution of radiance in relation to a dynamic ocean surface boundary layer.
• Combine a radiance-based transfer model with models of surface boundary layer processes including surface waves and bubble production.
• Investigate the feasibility of inverting coupled models to determine key conditions within the surface boundary layer.

RaDyO will use a combination of field observations and models to meet its research objectives. New instrumentation is being developed and tested for the program. The first field effort will utilize the Scripps Pier (La Jolla, CA) in late 2007. It is anticipated that major field activities will take place in 2008 and 2009 at sites located off central California. It is predicted that a broad range of environmental and optical conditions will be observed by using a variety of state-of-the-art and novel instrumentation and platforms. In particular, it is expected that the ultra-stable R/P FLIP, a SWATH vessel, an AUV, an ROV, profiling sensors, moorings, and satellites will simultaneously collect complementary data using a large number of optical, video, acoustical, and physical sensors. Theoretical and modeling activities will be conducted throughout the duration of RaDyO and it is anticipated that these approaches will be closely tied to the planning of field experiments and the analyses and simulations of field observations.