Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) perform a significant role in the depletion of the ozone layer and particularly with the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole. The optical properties of the various types of PSCs were calculated using a computer code based on the T-matrix method for determining ... Show morePolar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) perform a significant role in the depletion of the ozone layer and particularly with the formation of the Antarctic ozone hole. The optical properties of the various types of PSCs were calculated using a computer code based on the T-matrix method for determining the extinction, absorption, and scattering cross sections of axisymmetric dielectric particles. These calculations, compared with the Upper Atmosphere Research Satellite (UARS) observations of PSCs over the Antarctic, indicate that the chemical composition of PSCs may be determined through measurement of aerosol extinction. Since the various types of PSCs perform different roles in the destruction of the ozone layer, accurate identification of PSCs can better indicate the conditions for and the extent of ozone depletion. Furthermore, comparisons with Mie theory calculations demonstrate that the approximate Mie calculations may be sufficient to model the optical properties of both types of PSCs. Show less
