Analytic remote-sensing optical algorithms requiring simple and practical field parameter inputs

Spectral in-water measurements of downward irradiance (E(d)), upward irradiance (E(u)), and nadir radiance (L(u)) are sufficient to calculate the scalar irradiances E(0), E(0d), and E(0u), the average cosines mu, mu(d), and mu(u), the light absorption coefficient a, the backscattering coefficient b(b), and the so-called f factor that relates to R, a, and b(b). The solar elevation of 42 degrees is a special case in which mu(d) is independent of all variables except solar elevation. The algorithms are valid for solar elevations between 12 degrees and 81 degrees for horizontally stratified clear and turbid deep waters.