Light Scattering by Ice Crystals
Fundamentals and Applications

This volume outlines the fundamentals and applications of light scattering, absorption and polarization processes involving ice crystals.

Kuo-Nan Liou (Author), Ping Yang (Author)

9780521889162, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 6 October 2016

460 pages, 49 b/w illus. 117 colour illus.
26.2 x 18.6 x 3 cm, 1 kg

'With the development of increasingly sophisticated scientific and technological capabilities in optics and photonics, it is possible to lose sight of the intricacies of natural phenomena. This book shows, in a clear and accessible manner, the detailed analysis required to understand optical phenomena associated with the scattering of light by ice crystals … The book is primarily directed at researchers and graduate students in the atmospheric sciences. It is apparent that such an audience will be well served by this masterly exposition. However, those with less specialized interests could also benefit greatly from this book, which carefully presents a number of theoretical frameworks required to gain understanding of the scattering of light.' K. Alan Shore, Optics and Photonics Reviews

This research volume outlines the scientific foundations that are central to our current understanding of light scattering, absorption and polarization processes involving ice crystals. It also demonstrates how data from satellite remote sensing of cirrus clouds can be combined with radiation parameterizations in climate models to estimate the role of these clouds in temperature and precipitation responses to climate change. Providing a balanced treatment of the fundamentals and applications, this book synthesizes the authors' own work, as well as that of other leading researchers in this area. Numerous illustrations are included, including three-dimensional schematics, to provide a concise discussion of the subject and enable easy visualization of the key concepts. This book is intended for active researchers and advanced graduate students in atmospheric science, climatology, and remote sensing, as well as scholars in related fields such as ice microphysics, electromagnetic wave propagation, geometric optics, radiative transfer and cloud-climate interactions.

Preface
1. Ice in the Earth's atmosphere
2. Fundamentals of light scattering by ice crystals
3. Principle of geometric optics for application to light scattering by ice crystals
4. Other useful approaches for light scattering by ice particles
5. Application of light scattering by ice crystals to remote sensing
6. Application of light scattering by ice crystals to climate studies
References
Index.

Subject Areas: Geographical information systems [GIS & remote sensing RGW], Meteorology & climatology [RBP], Earth sciences [RB], Atmospheric physics [PHVJ], Optical physics [PHJ], Mathematics & science [P]