Abstract
An expression is sought for the radiance of the sea resulting from the reflection of skylight. For viewing near the horizon it is found necessary to take account of shadowing, because only a fraction of the surface (and that facing the observer) is seen. A simple hypothesis about shadowing is made, and it is shown to give good agreement with experimental measurements of shadowing on random rough surfaces. As a consequence, the apparent slope of the sea surface is computed, and the angle of incidence of light reaching the observer from the horizon is found to depart considerably from the grazing value, 90°. Accordingly, the ocean there is less than a perfect reflector and gives rise to a discontinuity in radiance (the horizon).
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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 callDisclaimer: 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.
