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

• Published in: Journal of Glaciology
• Main Author: Barkstrom, Bruce R.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1972
• Subjects: Earth-Surface Processes; Antarctic; The Antarctic; Antarc*; Journal of Glaciology
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0022143000022334; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0022143000022334

Abstract Multiple 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.