Abstract

Using the approximation of a polydisperse ensemble (nonreflecting, two-layer, and homogeneous spheres), a theoretical analysis is presented of how the internal structure (as a result of variation of the moisture in the air) affects the absorption coefficient and single-scattering albedo of an ensemble of small hygroscopic, inhomogeneous, and absorbing particles of the sulfate component of the marine aerosol in the boundary layer of the atmosphere. The variations of these optical characteristics of the aerosols in the IR, visible, and UV regions caused by variations of the microstructural parameters of the aerosol particles are studied. It is shown that neglecting the radial inhomogeneity of the structure of the aerosol particles can result in large errors when estimating the absorption coefficient and consequently can cause large errors when calculating the radiational and thermal regimes of the boundary layer of the atmosphere.

© 2012 OSA

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