Abstract

Understanding the optimal wavelength for detecting the water column profile from a light detection and ranging (lidar) system is important in the design of oceanographic lidar systems. In this research, the optimal wavelength for detecting the water column profile using a lidar system at the global scale was analyzed based on the inherent optical properties of water. In addition, assuming that the lidar system had a premium detection characteristic in its hardware design, the maximum detectable depth using the established optimal wavelength was analyzed and compared with the mixed layer depth measured by Argo data at the global scale. The conclusions drawn are as follows: first, the optimal wavelengths for the lidar system are between the blue and green bands. For the open ocean, the optimal wavelengths are between 420 and 510 nm, and for coastal waters, the optimal wavelengths are between 520 and 580 nm. To obtain the best detection ability using a lidar system, the best configuration is to use a lidar system with multiple bands. In addition, a 490 nm wavelength is recommended when an oceanographic lidar system is used at the global scale with a single wavelength. Second, for the recommended 490 nm band, a lidar system with the 4 attenuating length detection ability can penetrate the mixed layer for 80% of global waters.

Highlights

  • Vertical profiles of oceanic water data, such as chlorophyll profiles and temperature and salinity profiles, which determine the upper mixed layer depth, play important roles in understanding oceanic physical–biogeochemical processes, ocean–atmosphere interactions, and ocean primary production [1,2,3]

  • In this research, the optimal wavelength for detecting global-scale characteristics of the water column profile using a lidar system was determined based on the inherent optical properties of water

  • Assuming that the lidar system has optimal detection characteristics in its hardware design, the maximum detectable depth using the established optimal wavelength was analyzed and compared with the mixed layer depth measured by Argo data at the global scale

Read more

Summary

Introduction

Vertical profiles of oceanic water data, such as chlorophyll profiles and temperature and salinity profiles, which determine the upper mixed layer depth, play important roles in understanding oceanic physical–biogeochemical processes, ocean–atmosphere interactions, and ocean primary production [1,2,3]. Various platforms have been used to obtain vertical profiles, including buoys, subsurface buoys, Argo, Bio-Argo, and autonomous climbing systems that use ropes, gliders, AUVs, etc. These platforms can only be used to obtain data from a small region. Light detection and ranging (lidar) systems are the only systems that have the ability to obtain depth-resolved profile information. These systems can be deployed from airborne or space-borne platforms and can provide an additional fast and non-expensive survey of vast areas of ocean

Methods
Results
Conclusion

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.