Modeling and simulating the bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of seawater covered by oil slicks

A high-efficiency anisotropic model for bidirectional reflectance distribution function (BRDF) of seawater covered by oil slicks (SWCOS) was proposed. This model was set by combining a BRDF model for anisotropic rough sea surface whose slopes follow Gaussian distribution and the two-beam inference theory of a thin film. We have simulated the BRDFs of oil slicks by using the above model and the measured complex refractive index data of Romashkino crude oil. In addition, the relationships between the BRDF of oil slicks and the wind speed of sea surface, thickness of oil slick, complex refractive index of crude oil and the incident zenith angle were analyzed. Also, the differences between optical characteristics of clean water and of polluted water were discussed in the context of the optical contrast of SWCOS. With high simulation speed and reliable simulation precision, this model provides a theoretical basis for rapid detection of oil spill.