Light Scattering in Inhomogeneous Atmospheres

This monograph gives a systematic presentation of the theory of light scattering in the atmosphere. Homogeneous atmospheres, multilayered atmospheres and inhomogeneous atmospheres whose parameters depend continuously on depth are treated. Special attention is paid to obtaining simple asymptotical formulas that have wide-ranging applications. A number of algorithms for the numerical solution of transfer theory problems are described. Examples are given in which the theory is used to solve astrophysical and geophysical problems; other areas to which the theory can be applied are also mentioned. In particular, the rigorous asymptotical theory of weak line formation in multiple scattering is presented. An appendix contains tables of functions and parameters for solving light scattering problems.
TOC: Contents: Introduction.- 1. Basic Concepts, Equations and Problems.- Part I. HOMOGENEOUS ATMOSPHERE.- 2. Radiation Field in Infinite Atmosphere.- 3. Semi-Infinite Medium.- 4. Atmosphere of Finite Optical Thickness.- 5. Atmosphere Above Reflecting Surface.- Bibliographical Comments and Additions.- Part II. MULTILAYER ATMOSPHERE.- 6. Parallel External Flux Problem and the Milne Problem.- 7. Light Scattering in Two Adjacent Half-Spaces.- 8. Atmosphere Consisting of Layers with Large Optical Thickness.- Bibliographical Comments and Additions.- Part III. ATMOSPHERE WITH CONTINUOUSLY VARYING PARAMETERS.- 9. Diffuse Reflection and Transmission of Light by Atmosphere.- 10. Basic Equations Defining the Radiation Field in a Vertically Inhomogeneous Layer.- 11. Invariance Relations and Their Corollaries for a Semi-Infinite Atmosphere.- 12. Asymptotic Properties of Radiation Fields in Inhomogeneous Atmosphere.- 13. Atmospheres with Exponentially Varying Characteristics.- 14. Astrophysical, Geophysical, and Other Possible Applications of the Theory.- Bibliographical Comments and Additions.- Appendix.- References.