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www.the-cryosphere-discuss.net/5/1239/2011/
doi:10.5194/tcd-5-1239-2011
© Author(s) 2011. This work is distributed
under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.
Application of asymptotic radiative transfer theory for the retrievals of snow parameters using reflection and transmission observations
1Snow and Avalanche Study Establishment, Him Parisar, Sector-37A, Chandigarh 160036, India
2Institute of Environmental Physics, University of Bremen, O. Hahn Allee 1, 28359 Bremen, Germany
3US Army Cold Region Research and Engineering Laboratory, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755-1290, USA
Abstract. An asymptotic analytical radiative transfer (AART) theory was used to retrieve snow optical parameters such as extinction coefficient, diffuse exponent, asymptotic flux extinction coefficient (AFEC), snow optical thickness and probability of photon absorption (PPA). This theory was applied to the reflection and transmission data for a temperate snow cover from 400–1000 nm wavelength region, to retrieve AFEC for different types of snow cover (thick, thin, dry, wet, new and old snow). The AFEC values were found at 450 nm wavelength region in the range from 0.06 to 0.22 cm−1, where high values were observed for increased wetness and impurity in snow. A good agreement between AART retrieved and other radiative transfer model retrieved parameter shows that AART theory can work well for different types of snow. The extinction coefficients for temperate snow ranged from 0.5 to 1.0 mm−1 and the e-folding depths ranged from 5 to 25 cm. The snow physical characteristics such as grain size and density were also retrieved using derived optical parameters and found in agreement with ground measurements. The main advantages of the proposed AART method are the simple analytical equations that provide a valuable alternative from complex numerical radiative transfer solutions.
Discussion Paper (PDF, 801 KB) Interactive Discussion (Closed, 8 Comments) Publication in TC not foreseen
Citation: Negi, H. S., Kokhanovsky, A., and Perovich, D. K.: Application of asymptotic radiative transfer theory for the retrievals of snow parameters using reflection and transmission observations, The Cryosphere Discuss., 5, 1239-1262, doi:10.5194/tcd-5-1239-2011, 2011. Bibtex EndNote Reference Manager XML
