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Radiative transfer in the atmosphere-ocean system: the finite-element method
B Bulgarelli1, V B Kisselev, L Roberti
1Marine Environment Unit, TP 272, Space Application Institute, Joint Research Centre, Commission of the European Communities, 21020 Ispra, Va, Italy. barbara.bulgarelli@jrc.it
Applied Optics
|February 29, 2008
Summary
A new finite-element method model accurately solves radiative transfer in layered media with refractive index changes, like atmosphere-ocean systems. This validated model conserves energy and is available for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Computational physics
- Atmospheric science
- Ocean optics
Background:
- Radiative transfer is crucial for understanding light propagation in layered media.
- Accurate modeling is needed for systems with varying refractive indices, such as atmosphere-ocean interfaces.
- Existing models may not fully capture complex physical processes like multiple scattering and bidirectional reflectivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate a finite-element method (FEM) model for solving the radiative transfer equation in layered media with refractive index changes.
- To incorporate physical processes including multiple scattering, bottom-boundary bidirectional reflectivity, and interface refraction/reflection.
- To ensure the model's energy conservation and applicability to diverse layered systems.
Main Methods:
- Application of the finite-element method to solve the radiative transfer equation.
- Inclusion of multiple scattering, bottom-boundary bidirectional reflectivity, and interface phenomena (refraction, reflection).
- Validation through energy conservation tests, comparison with Monte Carlo simulations, and literature data.
Main Results:
- The FEM model accurately simulates radiative transfer in layered media with refractive index variations.
- The model demonstrates energy conservation irrespective of phase function, grid points, or refractive index.
- Validation confirmed optimal agreement with established methods and literature data.
Conclusions:
- The developed FEM model provides a robust and validated tool for radiative transfer simulations in complex layered systems.
- The model's energy conservation and accuracy make it suitable for applications involving atmosphere-ocean interactions and other stratified media.
- The documented Fortran code is available for broader scientific application.
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