Time Variation of the Rough Ocean Surface and Its Effect on an Incident Laser Beam

A study of the time variation of sea surface slope by the distribution of light on a submerged screen from a small incident laser beam is summarized. Experiments performed in the Gulf of Mexico during the summer of 1966 and the sea surface slope apparatus used are described. Methods of analysis of the resulting high speed motion picture film data, including a flying spot scanner-digital film reader and computer programs, are summarized. Results of these experiments including sea surface slope parameters versus time and subsurface power probability curves are reported. Results are compared with previous theoretical predictions and experimental data.