The Generation and Characterization of Surf Zone Aerosols and Their Impact on Naval Electro-Optical Systems

This is a NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA report procured by the Pentagon and made available for public release. It has been reproduced in the best form available to the Pentagon. It is not spiral-bound, but rather assembled with Velobinding in a soft, white linen cover. The Storming Media report number is A099033. The abstract provided by the Pentagon follows: Aerosols are generated within the surf zone by the breaking of waves along the beachfront. The concentration of aerosols, size and structure of these plumes are impacted by the air/sea temperature differences, breaker type and local winds. During the EOPACE 1 surf experiment at Lalolla, CA, it was observed that under light wind conditions, standing aerosol plumes would develop to heights of 31 meters. Concurrently, transmittance at FLIR wavelengths would be degraded up to 35%. Similar aerosol plume structures were observed during EOPACE II at Moss Landing, CA. These results are used to characterize and forecast standing plume conditions that may impact Electro-Optical transmission.