COP - A DATA LIBRARY OF OPTICAL-PROPERTIES OF HEXAGONAL ICE CRYSTALS

The data library of optical properties of hexagonal ice crystals for r adiative modeling, Cirrus Optical Properties (COP), is introduced. It includes phase functions, asymmetry parameters, extinction cross secti ons, and single scattering albedos. Furthermore, lidar ratios and depo larization are given. The dependence of these parameters on wavelength , particle size, and shape is calculated, and different particle orien tations are considered. In addition, a simple FORTRAN code is provided to calculate the corresponding properties of size distributions. Thus the data library is a very flexible tool for determining the optical parameters of ice clouds for climatological purposes and remote sensin g. The data library and the FORTRAN code are distributed through elect ronic mail.