optical depth
[/ˈɒptɪkəl dɛpθ/]
nounpl: optical depths
profundidade óptica
1. A measure of how much light is attenuated as it passes through a medium, dimensionless quantity representing the natural logarithm of the ratio of incident to transmitted light intensity
The optical depth of the atmosphere determines how much sunlight reaches the Earth's surface.
A profundidade óptica da atmosfera determina quanto da luz solar atinge a superfície da Terra.
2. In astrophysics and atmospheric science, a parameter used to describe the opacity of a medium to electromagnetic radiation
High optical depth in dust clouds prevents visible light from passing through, making them appear dark.
A alta profundidade óptica em nuvens de poeira impede a passagem da luz visível, fazendo-as parecerem escuras.
3. A measure of the absorption and scattering of radiation in a given direction through a medium
Scientists calculate optical depth to understand how aerosols affect climate.
Os cientistas calculam a profundidade óptica para entender como os aerossóis afetam o clima.
This is a technical scientific term used uniformly in both Brazilian and American academic contexts. It is primarily found in physics, astronomy, meteorology, and climate science literature. The term is not subject to regional variation as it is a specialized technical vocabulary item used in international scientific communication.
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