A Two-Stream Multilayer, Spectral Radiative Transfer Model for Sea Ice,
Abstract
The reflection, absorption, and transmission of light at visible and near-infrared wavelengths is important for a number of geophysical problems. Light reflection is an important parameter in remote sensing studies, absorption is significant to ice thermodynamics, and transmission strongly influences biological activity in and under the ice. The focus of this report is on the reflection and transmission of light by spatially inhomogeneous and temporally varying sea ice covers. This is investigated using a two-stream, multilayer radiative transfer model in the wavelength region from 400 to 1000nm. The model is computationally simple and utilizes the available experimental data on the optical properties of sea ice. The ice cover is characterized as a layered medium composed of selections from nine distinct snow and ice types. Three case studies are presented illustrating values of spectral albedo, transmittance, and transmitted photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) for 1) a spatially inhomogeneous ice cover, 2) a uniform ice cover as it undergoes a melt cycle, and 3) a temporally changing spatially variable ice cover. The importance of thickness and surface conditions on the reflected and transmitted radiation fields is demonstrated. Keywords: Albedo, Arctic, Radiative transfer, Sea ice, Shortwave radiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212433
Entities
People
- Donald K. Perovich
Organizations
- Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory