Monte Carlo simulation of halos in the crystal clouds

Abstract

Abstract In this paper, we try to answer the question: how the multiple scattering, the sun elevation, shape and orientation of ice crystals in the cirrus clouds affect a halo pattern. To study the radiation transfer in optically anisotropic clouds, we have developed the software based on Monte Carlo method and ray tracing. In addition to halos, this software enables one to simulate “anti-halos”, which above the cloud layer can be seen by observers. We present the visualization of halos and anti-halos generated by the cirrus clouds for different shapes and orientations of ice crystals.