Monte Carlo simulations are carried out to determine the error in the
inversion of backscattering from remotely sensed reflectance when geom
etrical shape factors of the light field are assumed to be unity. The
results show that error in backscattering inversion can vary from a 40
% overestimation to a 20% underestimation and is dependent on the sola
r angle and the hydrosol constituents contributing to backscattering.
The simulations also demonstrate that for chlorophyll concentrations r
anging from 0.05 to 20 mg m(-3) the most dramatic change in the geomet
rical shape factor occurs near 1.0 to 1.5 mg m(-3) chlorophyll. The po
tential importance of bacteria in influencing the shape factor and the
subsequent effect of bacteria on the retrieval of the backscattering
from remote sensing reflectance are shown. Quartzlike material's stron
g impact on geometrical shape factors and errors of retrieval of backs
cattering at low chlorophyll concentrations are also demonstrated. Rem
ote sensing reflectance inversion schemes must include information abo
ut the backscattering function to be successful.