A statistical method to estimate the vertical transmission through horizontally non-homogeneous media

A method to estimate the vertical transmission of radiation through horizontally non-homogeneous media is presented. In the medium, the cloud-like clusters of absorbers are assumed to be randomly located. A statistical method is applied to the distribution of the absorbing ability of the clusters. Various models for cluster shape have been assumed and related transmission properties have been examined in the intensity (column) and flux (slab) transmissions. The angular dependent extinction of radiation by scattering has also been considered in the flux transmission. An approximate method to convert a horizontally non-homogeneous medium to an equivalent homogeneous one is proposed. The non-homogeneity in the actual atmosphere is also discussed.