Effect of the particle-size distribution on the backscattering ratio in seawater.

Mie theory is used to model the backscattering ratio (the ratio of the backscattering coefficient to the total scattering coefficient) of marine particles with the assumption that they follow a Junge-type size distribution. Results show that the backscattering ratio is very sensitive to the presence of submicrometer particles and depends strongly on the shape of the size distribution. However, it is not affected significantly by absorption and does not vary with wavelength over the visible range. The implications for modeling of backscattering and ocean color in terms of phytoplankton pigment concentration are discussed.