I study the penetration of photons into the ocean and their fate upon encountering molecules and suspended particles. The possible fates of the photons are to be absorbed (converted into heat or carbon compounds), scattered (diverted from the original trajectory), or transpectrally converted to another photon by Raman scattering or fluorescence. We have demonstrated that Raman scattering significantly contributes to the open ocean light field. I am working on accurate remote-sensing algorithms for determining suspended minerogenic matter and chlorophyll concentrations in the coastal ocean.  The needed calibration of remote sensing algorithms has been accomplished with new methods of analysis of suspended matter in the coastal ocean.  We have accomplished this with a new method of multiple linear regression, Model II multiple linear regression.  New analyses are also coming from X-ray Diffraction studies of suspended mineral matter from collaborations with the University of New Orleans.  We have completed new Super-computer Monte Carlo simulations of Ultra-Violet (UV) photon transport to study the effects of suspended sediment and particles on the penetration and possible harmful effects of UV light on aquatic and marine ecosystems.

Stavn, R.H. and T.R. Keen. 2004. Suspended minerogenic particle distributions in high-energy coastal environments: optical implications. J. Geophysical Res. 109, C05005, doi:10.1029/2003JC002098.

Mulberry, W.E. and R.H. Stavn. 2006. Particulate scattering and the penetration of ultraviolet light in coastal and inland waters. Ocean Optics XVIII, Montreal, Canada, Office of Naval Research, USA, 9-13 October 2006 CDROM.

Snyder, W., Arnone, R., Davis, C., Goode, W., Gould, R., Ladner, S., Lammela, G., Rhea, W.J., Stavn, R., Sydor, M., Weidemann, A. 2006. Comparison of the particle size distribution and optical attenuation. Ocean Optics XVIII, Montreal, Canada, Office of Naval Research, USA, 9-13 October 2006 CDROM.

Stavn, R.H. and S.J. Richter. 2006. Biogeo-optics: Partitioning the Particulate Scatter Coefficient in Coastal Waters. Ocean Optics XVIII, Montreal, Canada, Office of Naval Research, USA, 9-13 October 2006 CDROM.