In the context of volumetric scattering, what occurs when incident radiation hits a layer of dry snow?

When incident radiation strikes a layer of dry snow, the primary interaction involves both reflection and refraction. Dry snow is composed of crystalline ice particles that have specific optical properties. When light hits these particles, a portion of the light is reflected off the surface of the snow, while some of it penetrates into the snow and is refracted as it transitions between air and the ice crystals.

This behavior is an important aspect in volumetric scattering because it explains how light can be scattered internally within the snowpack. The refracted light can further scatter in different directions within the snow, which contributes to various effects seen when observing snow, such as its brightness and texture. Therefore, the correct answer reflects the dual nature of light interactions with the snow layer, emphasizing the importance of both reflection and refraction in understanding how dry snow interacts with incident radiation.