A comparison of models of sea-surface reflectance incorporating Raman scattering by water

Reliable estimates of sea-surface optical properties from irradiance reflectance at the sea surface require algorithms and models that accurately describe optical processes in the ocean. One important process not explicitly included in most remote-sensing algorithms is Raman scattering by water. This inelastic process can be a significant contributor to sea-surface reflectance. In this study, four models of sea-surface reflectance, incorporating Raman scattering by water, are compared. The aim is to determine the degree of equivalence of the models and their relative benefits. After analytical simplification, three of the four models are shown to yield results of similar magnitude. The suitability of each of the models for remote sensing applications is then discussed.