Significance of multiple scattering in the computation of solar radiation transfer in the atmosphere

An investigation has been carried out to study the effect of multiple scattering in the solar radiation transfer in the atmosphere by a Global Circulation Model (GCM). A procedure has been evolved in which multiple scattering can approximately, but reliably be considered. The results reveal that the incorporation of multiple scattering in the model improves the magnitude of heating and cooling in the atmosphere closer to reality especially over tropics. (C) 2000 Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.