MURI team model and measure underwater spectral-polarized light field

The MURI team of researchers joined forces at KML in January to study the dynamic spectral-polarized light field with hopes to identify mechanisms of adaptive camouflage in the near-shore littoral zone. Each team came with their own array of highly-specialized instruments, gathering data at several locations both on the ocean side and bay side of Long Key.

Dr. James Sullivan (U. Rhode Island) deploying their equipment overboard using their davit


KML Divers positioning equipment underwater in preparation for data readings

Dr. Alex Gillerson's team (City College of NY) positioning "the Octopus" at the surface for sunlight readings

Dr. Heidi Dierssen's (U. of Connecticut) and Dr. Molly Cummings dive team (U. Texas) worked underwater with instruments to quantify the spectral-polarized light field and the biological response to these dynamic optical environments. The team has plans to return to KML for summertime data collection.