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. 2015 Feb 1;54(4):B8-11.
doi: 10.1364/AO.54.0000B8.

Snell's window in wavy water

David K Lynch

Snell's window in wavy water

David K Lynch. Appl Opt. .

Abstract

The angular diameter of Snell's window as a function of maximum wave slope is calculated. For flat water the diameter is 97° and increases up to about 122° when the wave slope is about 16°. Steeper waves break and disrupt the smooth surface used in the analysis. Breaking waves produce a window almost 180° wide. The brightness of the dark area around Snell's window is heavily influenced by turbidity and upwelling radiation, especially in shallow water.

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