Second order perturbation solution for radiative transfer in clouds with a horizontally arbitrary periodic inhomogeneity

Abstract

A second order perturbation expansion solution is obtained for solar radiative transfer in a medium with a horizontally arbitrary periodic variation of extinction coefficient. The calculations show that the perturbation solution series is convergent. The cloud albedo changes from the unperturbed value when the second order perturbation correction is applied. The change of albedo can be negative as well as positive. The albedo changes due to the geometric factors and scattering factors are discussed. Also, the radiative transfer in a medium with an internal variation other than the cosinusoidal type is investigated.