 Single-scattering albedo is the ratio of scattering efficiency to total

extinction efficiency (which is also termed "attenuance", a sum of

scattering and absorption).
 Most often it is defined for small-particle scattering of
electromagnetic waves.
 Single-scattering albedo is unit less, and a value of unity implies that
all particle extinction is due to scattering; conversely, a single-
scattering albedo of zero implies that all extinction is due to
absorption.
 For spherical particles one can calculate single-scattering albedo
from Mie theory and knowledge of bulk properties of material such
as refractive index.
 For non-spherical particles one could use discrete dipole
approximation or other methods of computational electromagnetics.
In the map shown here, dark
brown pixels show high
aerosol concentrations,
while tan pixels show lower
concentrations, and light
yellow areas show little or
no aerosols. Black shows
where the sensor could not
make its measurement.