A Simple Method to Account for Rayleigh Scattering Effects on Photodissociation Rates

Abstract

A simple scheme is proposed to account for the Rayleigh scattering effects on photodissociation rates. The method is based on combining the reflectivity and transmission effects of two layers?one above and one below the height considered. Reflectivities are computed using existing data and tables on Rayleigh scattering. Computations using this method are reported and compared with other results obtained with a very detailed radiative scheme. The accuracy of the results and the short computing time make the method suitable for chemical-dynamical models of the atmosphere.