Optical Properties of Clear Natural Water*

Abstract

This paper reports spectroradiometric data obtained with a highly developed double monochromator at three depths and above the surface, at Crater Lake, Oregon. These data have been used to calculate spectral values of the diffuse-attenuation coefficient, and the underwater-reflectance function of Crater Lake water, which is a natural analog of distilled water. The data have also been used to calculate the spectral and total energy available for visibility or photosynthesis and the radiant power absorbed per unit volume, all at a number of depths to 600 m. The data and calculations are reported at 5-nm intervals in the wavelength region 350 nm to 700 nm.