Development of light scattering and radiative transfer modeling capabilities for satellite remote sensing

Light scattering and radiative transfer simulations are critical to atmospheric remote sensing. Specifically, satellite remote sensing algorithms are usually based on either pre-computed lookup tables or fast radiative transfer modeling capabilities. In this presentation, we will present the light scattering and radiative transfer modeling capabilities developed at Texas A&M University for applications to remote sensing. We will specifically discuss the single-scattering properties of nonspherical ice crystals, dust aerosols, and soot particles. To model the multiple scattering in the atmosphere, we have developed fast radiative transfer modeling capabilities in both solar and thermal infrared spectral regions. Furthermore, in this presentation we will illustrate the applications of the light scattering and radaitive transfer modeling capabilities to the retrieval of cloud and aerosol properties from satellite observations.