Optics of the Atmosphere and Ocean in the Research of Leningrad and St. Petersburg Oceanologists

The paper gives a brief introduction to creation, development, and main achievements of the Laboratory of Ocean and Atmospheric Optics of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Institute of Oceanology, Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) since its foundation in 1969. Under a leadership of DSc. professor K.S. Shifrin, a wide range of problems in ocean optics were investigated in 1969–1991: the theory of absorption and scattering of light in sea water, determination of the quantitative and qualitative composition of ocean suspension matter based on the characteristics of light scattering, etc. A significant contribution to the theory of underwater vision was also made by DSc I.M. Levin and other scientists. The results significantly contributed to hydrooptics and ensured progress in the development of technical means for observing underwater objects and the aquatic environment. The laboratory staff conducts expeditionary measurements of hydrophysical and hydrooptical characteristics in the seas of Russia. Based on the results of comprehensive research, highly effective remote optical methods for ocean sensing are being developed. In recent years, the laboratory has paid significant attention to the direct development and creation of technical means for remote sensing of the World Ocean – radiometric LiDAR systems.