Abstract
An exact solution of the infrared radiative transfer through multi-homogeneous layers has been developed in the framework of a random band model for the Lorentz lines. Comparing with this solution the accuracy of the Curtis-Godson and Godson methods, which are currently used in calculating the radiative transfer through the inhomogeneous atmosphere, has been investigated. It has been shown that the error of the sequential procedure of Godson is variable depending on whether the transmittance is calculated upward or downward direction of the atmosphere.
A new sequential procedure has been proposed using the analytical exact solution for two layers. It is shown that this new sequential procedure is of better accuracy than the methods of Curtis-Godson and Godson for the radiative transfer calculation of water vapor, carbon dioxide and ozone.
