Neutral points in an atmosphere–ocean system 2: Downwelling light field

Abstract

We use a Monte Carlo code that calculates the complete Stokes vector to predict the degree of polarization in the complete observable solid angle at any level in an atmosphere-ocean system. Using the Stokes vector components, we can find the positions of neutral points in a simulated plane-parallel atmosphere-ocean system for various conditions. We examine the locations and behavior of these neutral points for an observer placed directly above and beneath the air-water boundary and show how their positions are influenced by different atmospheric and oceanic conditions.