COP - A DATA LIBRARY OF OPTICAL-PROPERTIES OF HEXAGONAL ICE CRYSTALS

The data library of optical properties of hexagonal ice crystals for radiative modeling, Cirrus Optical Properties (COP), is introduced. It includes phase functions, asymmetry parameters, extinction cross sections, and single scattering albedos. Furthermore, lidar ratios and depolarization are given. The dependence of these parameters on wavelength, particle size, and shape is calculated, and different particle orientations are considered. In addition, a simple FORTRAN code is provided to calculate the corresponding properties of size distributions. Thus the data library is a very flexible tool for determining the optical parameters of ice clouds for climatological purposes and remote sensing. The data library and the FORTRAN code are distributed through electronic mail.