Solar radiative transfer simulations in Saharan dust plumes: particle shapes and 3-D effect.

Torge, Antje, Macke, Andreas, Heinold, B. and Wauer, J. (2011) Solar radiative transfer simulations in Saharan dust plumes: particle shapes and 3-D effect. Open Access Tellus B: Chemical and physical meteorology, 63 (4). pp. 770-780. DOI 10.1111/j.1600-0889.2011.00560.x.

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Abstract

Radiative fields of three-dimensional inhomogeneous Saharan dust clouds have been calculated at solar wavelength (0.6 μm) by means of a Monte Carlo radiative transfer model. Scattering properties are taken from measurements in the SAMUM campaigns, from light scattering calculations for spheroids based on the MIESCHKA code, from Mie theory for spheres and from the geometric optics method assuming irregular shaped particles. Optical properties of different projected area equivalent shapes are compared. Large differences in optical properties are found especially in the phase functions.

Results of radiative transfer calculations based on the Monte Carlo method are shown exemplarily for one dust cloud simulated by the cloud resolving atmospheric circulation model LM-MUSCAT-DES. Shape-induced differences in the radiation fluxes are pronounced, for example, the domain averaged normalized radiance is about 30% lower in the case of a dust plume consisting of spheroids or irregular particles compared to spheres. The effect of net horizontal photon transport (3-D effect) on the reflected radiance fields is only notable at the largest gradients in optical thickness. For example, the reflectance at low sun position differs locally about 15% when horizontal photon transport is accounted for. ‘Sharp edges' due to 1-D calculations are smoothed out in the 3-D case.

Document Type: Article
Keywords: Meteorology; Strahlungstransportsimulation solarer Strahlung in Saharastaubwolken, Monte Carlo, Partikelformen, 3D Effect
Research affiliation: OceanRep > GEOMAR > FB1 Ocean Circulation and Climate Dynamics > FB1-ME Maritime Meteorology
Refereed: Yes
Open Access Journal?: Yes
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Date Deposited: 08 Nov 2011 13:04
Last Modified: 24 Jan 2019 09:51
URI: https://oceanrep.geomar.de/id/eprint/12472

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