Influence of 3D cloud effects on spatial-angular characteristics of the reflected solar radiation field

Abstract

Spatial-angular characteristics of reflected solar radiation in broken clouds are simulated in the spherical model of the atmosphere using statistical algorithms developed in the Institute of Atmospheric Optics, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences. The patterns of formation of radiance fields of scattered radiation, caused by the finite cloud extents, mutual cloud shading, and radiation re-reflection by neighboring cloud elements are considered by the example of individual cloud realizations. It is shown that, for small and moderate cloud fractions, the specific features of the radiance field of reflected solar radiation are mainly determined by cloud localization relative to the viewing direction and direction “toward the Sun”.