Linearization of Markov chain formalism for vector radiative transfer in a plane-parallel atmosphere/surface system.

The Markov chain formalism for polarized radiative transfer through a vertically inhomogeneous atmosphere is linearized comprehensively with respect to the aerosol and polarizing surface properties. For verification, numerical results are compared to those obtained by the finite difference method. We demonstrate the use of the linearized code as part of a retrieval of aerosol and surface properties for an atmosphere overlying a black and Fresnel-reflecting ocean surface.

Markov chain formalism for vector radiative transfer in a plane-parallel atmosphere overlying a polarizing surface.

We report on a way of building bidirectional surface reflectivity into the Markov chain formalism for polarized radiative transfer through a vertically inhomogeneous atmosphere. Numerical results are compared to those obtained by the Monte Carlo method, showing the accuracy of the Markov chain method when 90 streams are used to compute the radiation from a Rayleigh-plus-aerosol atmosphere that overlies a surface with a bidirectional reflection function consisting of both depolarizing and polarizing parts.