DANIEL KOESTNER, Ph.D.

Ocean Optics Research Laboratory

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Abstract

From the launch of the first ocean color observing satellite (Coastal Zone Color Scanner CZCS; 1978), applications of optical information in ocean biogeochemistry have in some ways eclipsed fundamental knowledge of the manner in which natural assemblages of marine particles interact with visible light. From a fundamental perspective, it is still unclear which particle sizes contribute most significantly to backscattering in the ocean, which is essentially the observed signal in many optical applications including ocean color remote sensing. Advancements in the fundamental understanding of the effects of particle size and compositional characteristics on variability in scattering across various marine environments has been the focus of my doctoral work. I will be presenting results from my experimental research concerning the comprehensive characterization of natural particulate assemblages in tandem with measurements of angle-resolved polarized light scattering. This work has helped to fill gaps in the relevant literature regarding the sources of particulate backscattering and the inherent polarized light scattering properties of marine particles from an experimental standpoint. 

 Presenter

"My research has primarily focused on improving our fundamental understanding of light scattering by natural assemblages of marine particles using measurements of the volume scattering function and the degree of linear polarization. I am interested in developing low-cost optical proxies for determining bulk particulate properties, such as size and composition, as aids for the study of aquatic biogeochemistry. My interests lie as much with the thorough evaluation of experimental instruments as it does with experimental design. These interests have developed through my diverse research experiences in geochemistry, environmental engineering, and ocean optics."