Work

Modeling of ice albedo: A quantitative study of the impact of surface roughness

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The effects of surface roughness on spectral and broadband (spectrally integrated) albedos of sea ice are investigated using a multiple scattering radiative transfer model for the atmosphere-snow/ice system (ARTMASS2). The model accounts for multiple scattering, incorporating Mie theory and geometric optics approximation for single scattering by various components such as snow grains, air bubbles, brine pockets, and cloud droplets across a wavelength range from 0.3 to 4 . 0 μ m . To account for the refractive index change at the air-ice interface, we introduced an ice surface reflection model. Recognizing the irregularity of sea ice surfaces, we integrated surface roughness into this model. Our findings indicate that sea ice surface roughness can significantly alter both spectral and broadband albedos. Particularly for bare sea ice, surface roughness plays a significant role in albedo variation. • The study examines surface roughness effects on sea ice albedos using ARTMASS2. • This radiative transfer model includes single scattering and multiple scattering. • A reflection model accounts for refractive index changes at the air-ice interface. • Surface roughness significantly affects albedos, especially for bare sea ice.

Source: Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy and Radiative Transfer

DOI: 10.1016/j.jqsrt.2025.109543

Authors: Tomonori Tanikawa, Kazuhiko Masuda, Hiroshi Ishimoto, Teruo Aoki, Knut Stamnes

Institutions: Japan Meteorological Agency, Meteorological Research Institute, National Institute of Polar Research, Stevens Institute of Technology

Language: English

Topic: Arctic and Antarctic ice dynamics

Subfield: Atmospheric Science

Field: Earth and Planetary Sciences

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $2,870