Propagation Of Visible And Infrared Radiation In Fog Rain And Snow

Propagation of Visible and Infrared Radiation in Fog, Rain, and Snow

Measurements of the attenuation of radiation at 0.6328, 1.06, and 8 to 12 micrometers by fog, rain, and snow are reported. Theoretical models are presented which account for the scattering properties of fog droplets, raindrops, and snow crystals at each wavelength. Attenuation by fog in the 8 to 12 micrometer band is shown to be a function of the liquid water content of the fog while attenuation at 0.6328 micrometers is a function of both liquid water content and the fog droplet size distribution. It is shown that not only must the scattering properties of rain drops and snow crystals be properly modeled, but the susceptibility of the experimental instruments to scattered radiation must also be known.

Scientific and Technical Aerospace Reports

Implications of the Khrgian-Mazin Distribution Function for Water Clouds and Distribution Consistencies with Aerosols and Rain