Simulation of thin clouds in visible spectrum using the simplified radiative transfer equation

An algorithm to simulate the reflectance of clouds using visible bands was developed based on the simplified radiative transfer equation and two assumptions. The assumptions and algorithm were evaluated using a Landsat 8 sub-image of 015/035 (path/row) acquired on 27 August 2013. The relationship of visible bands in clear regions was verified to be linear. The effects of clouds in visible bands were linear as well. Then, the algorithm was used to simulate thin clouds. Band-by-band, the simulated clouds were in agreement with the distribution observed in each visible band. Finally, spatial correlation coefficients of simulated clouds and clouds detected by band 9 of Landsat-8 were calculated. High spatial coefficients quantitatively indicated the validity of the algorithm.