A multi-dimensional vector spherical harmonics discrete ordinate method for atmospheric radiative transfer

The multi-dimensional scalar Spherical Harmonics Discrete Ordinate Method (SHDOM) is extended to the vector case. The vector model uses complex and real generalized spherical harmonics in the energetic representation of the Stokes vector, and retains some powerful features of the scalar model, as for example, the combination of the generalized spherical harmonic and the discrete ordinate representations of the radiance field, the use of a linear short characteristic method for computing the corner-point values of the Stokes vector, and the application of the adaptive grid technique. Results illustrating the accuracy of the vector model are shown for realistic simulated clouds.

► The multi-dimensional scalar SHDOM is extended to the vector case. ► Complex and real spherical harmonics are used for Stokes vector representation. ► Results for realistic simulated clouds are presented.