INFLUENCE OF PARTICLE SIZE DISTRIBUTION ON REFLECTED AND TRANSMITTED LIGHT FROM CLOUDS,
Abstract
The light reflected and transmitted from clouds with various drop size distributions is calculated by a Monte Carlo technique. Six different models are used for the drop size distribution: isotropic; Rayleigh; haze continental; haze maritime; cumulus; nimbostratus. The scattering function for each model is calculated from the Mie theory. In general the reflected and transmitted radiance for the isotropic and Rayleigh models tend to be similar as are those for the various haze and cloud models. The reflected radiance is less for the haze and cloud models than for the isotropic and Rayleigh models, except for an angle of incidence near the horizon when it is larger around the incident beam direction. The transmitted radiance is always much larger for the haze and cloud models near the incident direction; at distant angles it is less for small and moderate optical thicknesses and greater for large optical thicknesses (all comparisons to isotropic and Rayleigh models). The downward flux, cloud albedo, and mean optical path are discussed. The angular spread of the beam as a function of optical thickness is shown for the nimbostratus model. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 24, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0660604
Entities
People
- George W. Kattawar
- Gilbert N. Plass