Advances in Earth Science ›› 2009, Vol. 24 ›› Issue (12): 1309-1317. doi: 10.11867/j.issn.1001-8166.2009.12.1309

Special Issue: IODP

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Computer Simulation of Land Surface Thermal Anisotropy Based on Realistic Structure Model: A Review

ZHAN Wenfeng 1, ZHOU Ji 1, MA Wei 1,2   

  1. 1.State Key Laboratory of Earth Surface Processes and Resource Ecology, College of Resources Science & Technology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing100875,China;2.Institute of Mineral Resources Research, China Metallurgical Geology Bureau, Beijing100029, China
  • Received:2009-06-15 Revised:2009-12-17 Online:2009-12-10 Published:2009-12-17
  • Contact: Zhan Wenfeng E-mail:zhanwenfeng@ires.cn

ZHAN Wenfeng, ZHOU Ji, MA Wei. Computer Simulation of Land Surface Thermal Anisotropy Based on Realistic Structure Model: A Review[J]. Advances in Earth Science, 2009, 24(12): 1309-1317.

Land surface temperature is one of the most important parameters in geology, hydrology and land surface process model. However, thermal anisotropy lies in almost all types of land surfaces due to its three dimensionality and heterogeneity. Based on realistic structure model, the progresses of computer simulation about land surface thermal anisotropy have been summarized. The theoretical basis of Monte Carlo Ray Tracing (MCRT) and radiostiy has been generalized and various types of approaches have been reviewed at the same time. These two methods have been widely used in many fields, including the calculation of directional emissivity and directional brightness temperature (DBT), validating other traditional models and combining energy balance model with computer simulation models. The similarities and differences between MCRT and radiosity method were clarified. Time complexities of these two algorithms are both high. The backward-MCRT and radiosity are independent on view direction; the forward-MCRT is on the opposite side. MCRT is applicable to specular-specular and specular-diffuse surface reflection, while diffuse surfaces need radiosity methods. Statistical geometrical data of the objects is optional for MCRT, while realistic structure is necessary for radiosity. The realistic model was then compared with geometrical optics model and transfer radiation model. Theoretical derivation indicates that the computer simulation model is equal to geometrical model without considering multi-scattering between objects. On the other hand, thermal radiation transfer equation is applied to mixed dispersion media, while the radiosity integral equation is based on radiation balance of ‘micro-plane’. Some inherent flaws of computer simulation model, including time efficiency, MCRT in non-isothermal surfaces,parameters acquisition, inversion and application have been pointed out. Moreover, carrying out field observation actively, enhancing the application research of realistic structure model, integrating the advantages of existing models and some other key points which need further investigation, have also been emphasized in the end.

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