Sobolev V.V. Light scattering in planetary atmospheres

Oxford, New York: Pergamon Press, 1975. — 265 pp.Progress in the study of the planets depends not only upon the collection of new observational data, but also upon development of the theory used to interpret the data. It is from solar radiation scattered in the planetary atmospheres that we derive most of our information about the planets. Consequently, the theory of multiple scattering of light, otherwise known as the theory of radiative transfer, is necessary for the interpretation of planetary observations. This theory is important for the physics of planets for another reason. The process of transfer of solar radiation in the planetary atmosphere determines to a significant extent the physical state of the atmosphere. In order to calculate various quantities characterizing this state, it is thus necessary to use the theory of radiative transfer.Basic equations.
Semi-infinite atmospheres.
Atmospheres of finite optical thickness.
Atmospheres overlying a reflecting surface.
General theory.
General theory (continued).
Linear integral equations for the reflection and transmission coefficients.
Approximate formulas.
The radiation emerging from a planet.
Optical properties of planetary atmospheres.
Spherical atmospheres.
Concluding remarks.
Appendix.
Author index.
Subject index.
Other titles in the series in natural philosophy