Conceptual approach to the simultaneous determination of the backscatter and absorption coefficients of natural waters

A two-flow radiative transfer theory model is utilized to indicate the feasibility of simultaneously determining in situ values of the absorption coefficient and the backscatter coefficient of natural waters. A dualchamber optical device [a backscatter/absorption chamber (BACH)] is described, and preliminary results from a laboratory prototype of this instrument are presented and discussed. These results appear in excellent agreement with the anticipated behavior of the BACH instrument based upon interpretative methodologies involving Monte Carlo simulations of photonic interactions. The Monte Carlo methodology enables simultaneous estimates of the absorption coefficient and the scattering coefficient once the backscattering probability is known.