Reflection of light from nonasbsorbing semi-infinite cloudy media: a simple approximation

The paper is devoted to the derivation of a simple approximate equation for the reflection function of semi-infinite cloudy media for the case of small and moderate observation angles. The absorption of light in cloud is neglected. The accuracy of equation obtained is studied using the numerical solution of the radiative transfer equation. It was found that approximation derived can be used for large scattering angles (larger than 150degrees) with accuracy better than 5% if observation angles are smaller than 45degrees. The error is below 5% for observation angles smaller than 30degrees, incidence angles smaller than 55degrees and arbitrary relative azimuths of incident and reflected light beams. (C) 2003 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.