This paper outlines the process by which it is possible to begin with
the physical properties of sea ice (such as the size distributions of
brine pockets and air bubbles), then predict the optical absorption an
d scattering properties of the ice, and finally use these inherent opt
ical properties in radiative transfer models to predict light propagat
ion within the ice, Each step of this entire process is illustrated by
application to a comprehensive data set of sea ice physical and optic
al properties. Agreement is found between measured and modeled beam sp
read functions (bsf's), albedos, and transmittances.