Analysis of optical method of determining wave slopes from photographs of glitter zone

We analyze the optical method of determining wave slopes on the sea surface from measurements of the characteristics of the glitter zone on photographs. Two approaches to the implementing this are explored. Their merits and drawbacks are noted. Low-altitude (H = 5–20 m) photographs of the sea surface are used to acquire new diverse information on the fine structure of the glitter zone and its relation to the sea roughness. We present a number of new experimental data on the glitter features and structure that were omitted in the Cox-Munk method. The applicability range for this optical method is estimated.