Radiative Transfer in the Atmosphere and Ocean

Radiative transfer is the physical process of energy transfer in the form of electromagnetic radiation. It involves the emission, absorption, and scattering of radiation through a medium, such as gases or solids. This process is crucial in astrophysics, climate science, and remote sensing for understanding energy distribution and temperature. In the atmosphere, radiative transfer governs the balance of incoming solar radiation and outgoing terrestrial radiation, crucial for understanding climate and weather patterns. Key processes include absorption, scattering, and emission by gases, aerosols, and clouds. In the ocean, radiative transfer primarily concerns the penetration of sunlight, which affects thermal structure, photosynthesis, and the marine ecosystem. Water's absorption and scattering properties determine the depth of light penetration and influence underwater visibility and heat distribution. Both atmospheric and oceanic radiative transfer are interlinked, affecting and regulating the Earth's energy balance and climate system. This book presents the complex subject of radiative transfer in the atmosphere and the oceans in the most comprehensible and easy to understand language. The topics covered herein deal with the core subjects of radiative transfer. For someone with an interest and eye for detail, this book covers the most significant topics in this field.