Analysis of vector radiative transfer through a finite slab of a stochastic precipitation medium

The formulation and solution of the vector radiative transfer equation in a finite slab of a stochastic precipitation medium of binary rain rates are considered. The electromagnetic wave is supposed to encounter alternating layered segments of the two precipitation media, each with a deterministic rain rate. Both the backscattering coefficient and the bistatic coefficient are derived by taking an ensemble average of the iterative solution for the deterministic vector radiative transfer equation. Computer simulations are given to verify the solutions via the Monte Carlo method, to feature the distinctiveness of stochastic precipitation systems, and to illustrate the relationship between the stochastic parameters and the final results. It is also concluded from the computer simulations that a finite slab of a stochastic precipitation medium could be treated as an average rain-rate precipitation layer with an acceptable approximation.