Some Effects of Multiple Scattering on the Distribution of Solar Radiation in Snow and Ice

Abstract

AbstractMultiple scattering of the solar flux in snow and “bubbly” ice can account for the variable albedo, the non-specular reflection, the non-exponential flux decrease near the surface, and the large upward flux within the medium. The scattering problem has been formulated and solved exactly, assuming isotropic scattering in a plane-parallel, semi-infinite, grey medium. The solution shows a non-exponential flux decrease near the surface and an exponential decrease deep in the medium. For such a medium, the albedo will increase with decreasing solar altitude in a manner which agrees to within one per cent of observed snow albedos in the Antarctic.