Inverse problems of atmospheric optics

A classification of the inverse problems of atmospheric optics is given. Th ree types of inverse problems are distinguished: with respect to the parame ters of the physical state of a medium (remote sensing of the atmosphere an d the underlying surface), with respect to the optical properties of the me dium, and with;respect to boundary conditions. The notion of radiative-phys ical inverse problems is introduced. In these problems, physical models of processes are used along with the equation of radiative transfer. Peculiar features of solving inverse problems for a nonequilibrium atmosphere, inclu ding radiative-kinetic inverse problems, is considered. It is noted that al lowance for errors in specifying a priori data is important in an analysis of the accuracy of solving inverse problems of different types.