Comparison Between RRTM and LBLRTM-DISORT for Radiative Transfer in Scattering Atmospheres

Scattering process is important in radiative transfer. A rapid and accurate radiative transfer model (RRTM) and a combination of the line-by-line radiative transfer model (LBLRTM) and discrete ordinate radiative transfer model (DISORT) have been used to compute fluxes and cooling rates in scattering atmospheres. RRTM is an approximate model with high arithmetic speed, while LBLRTM-DISORT is a precise model with low arithmetic speed. We compare the RRTM and LBLRTM-DISORT in a spectral region of 0.2-100μm. Specifically, we quantify the RRTM errors when clouds and aerosol (dust aerosol, in particular) are present.