The redirection of a light beam due to interactions with molecules (Rayleigh and Raman
scattering) and aerosols (
Mie scattering). Scattered light received at any point in the atmosphere (sometimes called
sky radiation) is a very important component of the total radiation received from the
sun; it is dependent on the solar zenith
angle, elevation
aerosol concentration etc.
Source:
PAC, 1990, 62, 2167
(Glossary of atmospheric chemistry terms (Recommendations 1990))
on page 2199