Distribution of the Sun glitter sizes on the sea surface, derived from theoretically and in situ experiments

Abstract

The distribution of sun glitter areas on the sea surface is discussed. Theoretical distribution, which is obtained for Gaussian sea surface is verified using experimental data. Sun glitter images, taken with a high time and spatial resolution digital camera are developed by using specially designed FORTRAN program which calculates the statistical characteristics of glints. The experimentally defined distribution of glint areas (or reciprocal of Gaussian curvature at the specular reflection points) is compared with theoretical distribution. It is pointed, that the main causes of small divergence must be the following effects: 1) the real waved surface is not completely Gaussian 2) the solid angle of the sun is finite but not zeros. Using glint characteristics the possibility of oil films detection on the sea surface is discussed, also.