Penetration depth at green wavelengths in turbid waters

A laboratory and field measurement program was conducted to determine apparent remote sensing penetration depths at a wavelength of 520 nm. Tests were made for various types of sediments under controlled conditions in a laboratory. Field tests were conducted in several different water bodies over a wide range of solar elevation angles. Laboratory results indicate that apparent penetration depth is significantly influenced by mineral content and/or size of suspended sediments. Field measurements show wide variation in apparent penetration depth, even when suspended solids concentration is nearly constant. Apparent penetration depth does not appear to be a strong function of solar elevation angle so long as the water mixture remains constant.