The geometrical and fractal properties of visible radiances associated with breaking waves in the ocean

Abstract. We consider the natural processes of wind-wave-breaking in the ocean in terms of fractal dimension. Digital algorithms for the analysis of aircraft optical images are employed to investigate spatial and statistical characteristics of foam streaks and whitecaps. The new results are as follows: 1. the fractal dimension of the wave-breaking set (foam streaks and whitecaps) depends on the ocean surface state and changes from d_H=1.05 to 1.25; 2. the fractal dimension differs from foam streaks and whitecaps - d_s=1.23 and 1.39, respectively.