The albedo of snow for partially cloudy skies

The albedo of snow for different cloudiness conditions is an important parameter in the Earth's radiation budget analysis and in the study of snowpack's thermal conditions. In this study an efficient approximate method is derived to calculate the incident spectral solar flux and snow-cover albedo in terms of different atmospheric, cloud, and snow parameters. The global flux under partially cloudy skies is expressed in terms of the clear sky flux and a coefficient which models the effect of scattering and absorption by cloud patches and multiple reflections between the cloud base and snowcover. The direct and the diffuse components of the clear sky flux are obtained using the spectral flux outside the atmosphere and the spectral transmission coefficients for absorption and scattering by molecules and aerosols.The spectral snow reflectance model considers both specular surface reflection and volumetric multiple scattering. The surface reflection is calculated by using a crystal-shape-dependent bidirectional reflectance distribution function; the volumetric multiple scattering is calculated by using a crystal-size-dependent approximate solution in the radiative transfer equation. The input parameters to the model are atmospheric precipitable water, ozone content, turbidity, cloud optical thickness, the size and shape of ice crystals of snow and surface pressure. The model yields spectral and integrated solar flux and snow reflectance as a function of solar elevation and fractional cloudcover.The model is illustrated using representative parameters for the Antarctic coastal regions. The albedo for a clear sky depends inversely on the solar elevation. At high elevations the albedo depends primarily upon the grain size; at low elevation the albedo depends on grain size and shape. The gradient of the albedo-elevation curve increases as the grains become larger and faceted. The albedo for a densely overcast sky is a few percent higher than the clear-sky albedo at high elevations. A simple relationship between grain size and the overcast albedo is obtained. For a set of grain size and shape, the albedo as a function of solar elevation and fractional cloud cover is tabulated.     

Cirrus cloud horizontal and vertical inhomogeneity effects in a GCM

Summary A set of the inhomogeneity factor for high-level clouds derived from the ISCCP D1 dataset averaged over a five-year period has been incorporated in the UCLA atmospheric GCM to investigate the effect of cirrus cloud inhomogeneity on climate simulation. The inclusion of this inhomogeneous factor improves the global mean planetary albedo by about 4% simulated from the model. It also produces changes in solar fluxes and OLRs associated with changes in cloud fields, revealing that the cloud inhomogeneity not only affects cloud albedo directly, but also modifies cloud and radiation fields. The corresponding difference in the geographic distribution of precipitation is as large as 7 mm day⁻¹. Using the climatology cloud inhomogeneity factor also produces a warmer troposphere related to changes in the cloudiness and the corresponding radiative heating, which, to some extent, corrects the cold bias in the UCLA AGCM. The region around 14 km, however, is cooler associated with increase in the reflected solar flux that leads to a warmer region above. An interactive parameterization for mean effective ice crystal size based on ice water content and temperature has also been developed and incorporated in the UCLA AGCM. The inclusion of the new parameterization produces substantial differences in the zonal mean temperature and the geographic distribution of precipitation, radiative fluxes, and cloud cover with respect to the control run. The vertical distribution of ice crystal size appears to be an important factor controlling the radiative heating rate and the consequence of circulation patterns, and hence must be included in the cloud-radiation parameterization in climate models to account for realistic cloud processes in the atmosphere.     

FY-3D MERSI-II云顶产品算法及精度检验

云顶温度和云顶高度作为基本的云参数,在云的热辐射强迫估计,航空气象保障,数值天气预报,天气气候研究等方面具有十分重要的意义。FY-3D/MERSI-II云顶温度产品基于云在红外波段的发射率假设,利用两个红外分裂窗通道(11.0 μm、12.0 μm)结合一维变分方法寻找最优云顶温度层,再利用数值天气预报廓线产品插值反演对应的云顶高度和压强。利用AQUA/MODIS所提供的云产品数据对FY-3D/MERSI-II云顶温度、云顶高度、云顶压强产品进行精度检验,结果表明:FY-3D/MERSI-II水云云顶温度精度为-1.2±4.6 K,云顶高度精度为1.4±1.8 km,云顶压强精度为-140.9±114.5 hPa;厚冰云云顶温度精度为7.0±6.0 K,云顶高度精度为-1.0±0.9 km,云顶压强精度为37.1±36.0 hPa;混合云云顶温度精度为1.5±8.5 K,云顶高度精度为0.8±2.2 km,云顶压强精度为-87.4±157.8 hPa,单层卷云和多层云的反演偏差较大。辐射传输模式在云顶性质反演中有十分关键的作用,但目前对冰云特别是卷云的性质认识不足,因此如何精确描述冰晶辐射特性,提高冰云特别是卷云辐射传输的模拟精度将是下一步的工作重点。      

Greenhouse sensitivity experiments with penetrative cumulus convection and tropical cirrus albedo effects

Results are presented from two versions of a global R15 atmospheric general circulation model (GCM) coupled to a nondynamic, 50-m deep, slab ocean. Both versions include a penetrative convection scheme that has the effect of pumping more moisture higher into the troposphere. One also includes a simple prescribed functional dependence of cloud albedo in areas of high sea-surface temperature (SST) and deep convection. Previous analysis of observations has shown that in regions of high SST and deep convection, the upper-level cloud albedos increase as a result of the greater optical depth associated with increased moisture content. Based on these observations, we prescribe increased middle- and upper-level cloud albedos in regions of SST greater than 303 K where deep convection occurs. This crudely accounts for a type of cloud optical property feedback, but is well short of a computed cloud-optical property scheme. Since great uncertainty accompanies the formulation and tuning of such schemes, the prescribed albedo feedback is an intermediate step to examine basic feedbacks and sensitivities. We compare the two model versions (with earlier results from the same model with convective adjustment) to a model from the Canadian Climate Centre (CCC) having convective adjustment and a computed cloud optical properties feedback scheme and to several other GCMs. The addition of penetrative convection increases tropospheric moisture, cloud amount, and planetary albedo and decreases net solar input at the surface. However, the competing effect of increased downward infrared flux (from increased tropospheric moisture) causes a warmer surface and increased latent heat flux. Adding the prescribed cirrus albedo feedback decreases net solar input at the surface in the tropics, since the cloud albedos increase in regions of high SST and deep convection. Downward infrared radiation (from increased moisture) also increases, but this effect is overpowered by the reduced solar input in the tropics. Therefore, the surface is somewhat cooler in the tropics, latent heat flux decreases, and global average sensitivity to a doubling of CO₂ with regard to temperature and precipitation/evaporation feedback is reduced. Similar processes, evident in the CCC model with convective adjustment and a computed cloud optical properties feedback scheme, occur over a somewhat expanded latitudinal range. The addition of penetrative convection produces global effects, as does the prescribed cirrus albedo feedback, although the strongest local effects of the latter occur in the tropics.Portions of this study are supported by the Office of Health and Environmental Research of the U.S. Department of Energy as part of its Carbon Dioxide Research Program, and by the Electric Power Research Institute as part of its Model Evaluation Consortium for Climate Assessment ProjectThe National Center for Atmospheric Research is sponsored by the National Science Foundation     

Climate change and the regulation of the surface moisture and energy budgets

The increase in the vigor of the hydrological cycle simulated in a 2 × CO₂ experiment with the Canadian Climate Centre general circulation model is smaller than that obtained by other models which have similar increases in mean surface temperature. The surface energy budget, which encompasses also the moisture budget for the oceans, is analyzed. Changes in the net radiative input to and sensible heat flux from the surface act to warm it. This is balanced, at the new equilibrium, by a change in the latent heat flux which acts to cool it. Although this same general behavior is seen in other models, the increase in radiative input to the surface in the CCC GCM is smaller than in other models while the change in the sensible heat flux is of similar size. As a consequence, the latent heat flux required for balance is smaller. The comparatively small increase in the net radiative input at the surface occurs because of a decrease in the solar component. On average the decrease in solar input in the tropical region outweighs the higher latitude increase associated with the snow/ice albedo feedback. The notable tropical decrease in solar input occurs because the albedo of the clouds increase enough in this region to outweigh a small decrease in cloud amount. The increase in cloud albedo in the warmer and moister tropical atmosphere is a consequence of the parameterized cloud optical properties in the model which play an important role in the regulation of the surface energy and moisture budgets. The results demonstrate some of the consequences of the negative feedback mechanism associated with increasing cloud albedo in the model. They also suggest that the simulated change in the vigor of the hydrological cycle is not a simple function of the average increase in surface temperature but is a consequence of all of the processes in the model which control the available energy at the surface as a function of latitude.     

Lidar remote sounding of cirrus clouds and comparison of simulated fluxes with surface and METEOSAT observations

Three cirrus cloud cases have been remotely sounded near Paris by a ground-based backscatter lidar and broadband radiometers. Some cirrus properties (optical depth, emissivity, height) are derived from these measurements and used to compare radiative transfer calculations to surface and METEOSAT observations of broadband irradiances.For a useful comparison, the three cirrus cases were selected to have different morphologies and optical properties: June 29, 1993—thin cirrus cloud (thickness 1.5 km, optical depth 0.22); September 6, 1993—thick cirrus cloud (thickness 5 km, optical depth 2.7); and November 16, 1993—inhomogeneous and geometrically thick cirrus cloud (thickness 3.5–6.5 km) but optically thin (optical depth 0.82).At surface, the differences between measurements and model range from 1.5 to 4 Wm⁻² for longwave fluxes, and from 20 to 70 Wm⁻² for shortwave fluxes.At the top of the atmosphere, the differences between METEOSAT measurements and model are in fair agreement for longwave fluxes (up to 50 Wm⁻²). However, unexpected high differences are found for shortwave fluxes (up to 144 Wm⁻²) due to cirrus clouds heterogeneities and uncertainties in their microphysical properties and especially the occurrence of high reflectivity due to horizontally oriented ice crystals at the cloud top, which are not taken into account by the Model presently.     

冰晶性质对卷云辐射特征影响的模拟研究

介绍了SBDART辐射模式和libRadtran程序包，并利用这两个模式模拟分析了当卷云内冰晶性质如有效半径、冰晶含量以及形状变化时，卷云反照率的变化。模拟分析表明，在相同条件下，不同形状冰晶构成的卷云反照率有所不同，同种冰晶构成的卷云在不同波长的反照率也不同。总的来说，不论是由何种形状冰晶构成的卷云，随着卷云内冰晶含量增大，有效半径减小，卷云反照率增大。这些工作将有助于增进对lib Radtran程序包和卷云性质的了解。     

On the radiative properties of ice clouds: Light scattering,remote sensing,and radiation parameterization

Presented is a review of the radiative properties of ice clouds from three perspectives: light scattering simulations, remote sensing applications, and broadband radiation parameterizations appropriate for numerical models. On the subject of light scattering simulations, several classical computational approaches are reviewed, including the conventional geometric-optics method and its improved forms, the finite-difference time domain technique, the pseudo-spectral time domain technique, the discrete dipole approximation method, and the T-matrix method, with specific applications to the computation of the singlescattering properties of individual ice crystals. The strengths and weaknesses associated with each approach are discussed.With reference to remote sensing, operational retrieval algorithms are reviewed for retrieving cloud optical depth and effective particle size based on solar or thermal infrared(IR) bands. To illustrate the performance of the current solar- and IR-based retrievals, two case studies are presented based on spaceborne observations. The need for a more realistic ice cloud optical model to obtain spectrally consistent retrievals is demonstrated. Furthermore, to complement ice cloud property studies based on passive radiometric measurements, the advantage of incorporating lidar and/or polarimetric measurements is discussed.The performance of ice cloud models based on the use of different ice habits to represent ice particles is illustrated by comparing model results with satellite observations. A summary is provided of a number of parameterization schemes for ice cloud radiative properties that were developed for application to broadband radiative transfer submodels within general circulation models(GCMs). The availability of the single-scattering properties of complex ice habits has led to more accurate radiation parameterizations. In conclusion, the importance of using nonspherical ice particle models in GCM simulations for climate studies is proven.     

不同形状冰晶权重假定对冰云光学和辐射特性的影响

在BCC_RAD辐射传输模式和包含多形状冰晶粒子的冰云光学性质参数化方案的基础上,详细分析了不同冰晶粒子权重选取对冰云光学和辐射特性的影响。结果显示,不同形状冰晶粒子权重的选取对长波带平均消光系数、单次散射比、不对称因子和短波带平均不对称因子均有较大的影响。冰晶粒子权重选取对长波辐射通量有很大影响:对长波向下辐射通量,权重选择不同可在云底处造成高达10.50 W/m2的差别;对长波向上辐射通量,权重选择不同可在云顶处造成高达15.05 W/m2的差别。冰晶粒子权重选择对短波辐射通量也存在较大影响:对短波向下辐射通量,权重选择不同可在云底处造成高达12.48 W/m2的差别;对短波向上辐射通量,权重选择不同可在云顶处造成高达10.23 W/m2的差别。冰晶粒子权重选择对长波加热率影响较大,在云顶处和云底处分别可达1.31和-2.06 K/d。研究表明,不同形状冰晶粒子权重的选取对冰云光学性质和辐射计算均有较大的影响,在长波区间尤其明显。      

Satellite remote sensing of the optical depth and mean crystal size of thin cirrus and contrails

Summary Crystal size and optical depth of optically thin cirrus clouds and contrails over the North Sea and Adriatic Sea on the 18^th of October 1989 are retrieved by comparison of NOAA AVHRR/2 brightness temperatures of channel 4 (9.97 µm–11.56 µm) and channel 5 (11.075 µm–12.76 µm) with one dimensional radiative transfer calculations. Measured brightness temperatures in all three infrared channels and their differences show higher values for contrails than for cirrus. The radiative properties of young contrails are consistent only, if smaller crystal size than those given for natural cirrus are adopted for the calculations. However, there is a continuous transition in radiative parameters between clouds classified as natural cirrus or contrails. For the test areas ice clouds are classified with respect to optical depth and mean crystal size. Finally infrared fluxes and heating rates in the spectral range 4 µm–40 µm are calculated for an atmosphere with a 500 m thick contrail or cirrus uncinus. At given ice content a far stronger atmospheric warming is found for a contrail with relatively small ice crystals: up to 80 K/day at cloud base for an ice content of 0.05 gm^–3 compared to 10 K/day for a cirrus uncinus with large crystals.With 11 Figures     

A case study of cirrus layers with variable 3.74 µm reflection properties in the first FIRE experiment, 2 November 1986

Summary Remotely sensed scanning radiometer and lidar data on cirrus clouds were obtained during the cirrus FIRE IFO experiment in November 1986 from the ER-2 aircraft plat-form.Data were examined particularly on 2 November for an area in the vicinity of Wausau, Wisconsin where unusual effects were noticed in bispectral histograms from various channels in the scanner data.After calibration of the data in spectral channels of both the Scan Cloud Radiometer (SCR) and Multichannel Cloud Radiometer (MCR) instruments, including direct comparison between compatible channels in the two instruments, it was found that the 0.856 µm SCR channel gave good data, whereas the 0.665 µm and 0.74 µm SCR channels gave large offsets, when compared with the MCR 0.754 µm data. The latter channel was found to compare well in a second comparison with coincident AVHRR channel satellite data. Similarly, the SCR 11.17 µm data gave consistent results and the SCR 3.74 µm data were carefully calibrated.Bispectral histograms formed between 0.856 µm, 3.74 µm and 11.17 µm SCR channel data indicated that some coherent layers of cirrus clouds were giving enhanced solar reflectance at 3.74 µm, indicative of small (~ <25 µm radius) particles, whereas other neighbouring layers gave little reflectance.A comparison of 0.856 µm reflections with 11.17 µm absorption optical depth indicated that the small particles where probably ice crystals. A comparison of 3.74 µm solar albedo and 11.17 µm absorption optical depths of these layers with theoretical calculations for ice spheres indicated a mode radius of about 8 µm for the cloud particle size distribution. An estimate from similar recent calculations on hexagonal ice crystals indicated that the retrieved effective radius would be increased to 25 µm. The difference between the two retrieved radii was a measure of the uncertainty in the retrievals, considering also differences in the assumed size distributions.Qualitative comparison with ER-2 lidar data gave a tentative identification of the reflecting layers.The results demonstrate the power of the 3.74 µm channel for identification of small-particle layers in cirrus.With 9 Figures     

Actinic fluxes: The role of clouds in photodissociation

The role of clouds in photodissociation is examined by both modeling and observations. It is emphasized that the photodissociation rate is proportional to the actinic flux rather than to the irradiance. (The actinic flux concerns the energy that is incident on a molecule, irrespective of the direction of incidence. The irradiance concerns the energy that is incident on a plane.) A 3-layer model is used to calculate the actinic flux above and below a cloud, relative to the incident flux, in terms of cloud albedo, zenith angle and the albedo of the underlying and overlying atmosphere. Cloud albedo is mainly determined by cloud optical thickness. An expression for the in-cloud actinic flux is given as a function of in-cloud optical thickness. The 3-layer model seems to be an useful model for estimation of photodissociation rates in dispersion models. Further, a multi-layer delta-Eddington model is used to calculate irradiances, actinic fluxes and photodissociation rates of nitrogen dioxide J(NO₂) as a function of height in inhomogeneous atmospheres. For the considered wavelength interval [290–420 nm], Rayleigh scattering, ozone absorption and Mie scattering and absorption by cloud drops and aerosols should be taken into account. It is stressed that both models are one-dimensional and as such are unable to deal with partial cloudiness. It is shown that if no clouds are present, the actinic flux depends primarily on the solar zenith angle. The actinic flux usually increases with height. For cloudy atmospheres, another important parameter with respect to the actinic flux is added: cloud optical thickness, which determines cloud albedo. It can be shown that in-cloud characteristics and cloud height are less important in describing the effect of a cloud on the actinic flux (outside the cloud). The in-cloud values of the actinic flux can exceed the values outside the cloud. Finally, using the photostationary state relationship, good agreement is found between model results and aircraft measurements.     

Effect of clouds on the photodissociation of NO2: Observations and modelling

The role of clouds in photodissociation is examined by both modelling and observations. It is emphasized that the photodissociation rate is proportional to the actinic flux rather than to the irradiance. The actinic flux concerns the energy that is incident on a molecule, irrespective of the direction of incidence. The irradiance concerns the energy that is incident on a plane.As far as the modelling aspect is concerned, a multi-layer delta-Eddington model is used to calculate irradiances, actinic fluxes, and photodissociation rates of nitrogen dioxide J(NO₂) as a function of height in inhomogeneous atmospheres. For the considered wavelength interval [290–420 nm], Rayleigh scattering, ozone absorption, and Mie scattering and absorption by cloud drops and aerosols should be taken into account.Further, a three-layer model is used to calculate the actinic flux above and below a cloud, relative to the incident flux, in terms of cloud albedo, zenith angle, and the albedo of the underlying and overlying atmosphere. Cloud albedo is mainly determined by cloud optical thickness. An expression for the incloud actinic flux is given as a function of in-cloud optical thickness. The three-layer model seems to be a useful model for the estimation of photodissociation rates in dispersion models.It is stressed that both models in their present form cannot handle partial cloudiness.It is shown that if no clouds are present, the actinic flux depends primarily on solar zenith angle. Further, the incident flux at the top of the atmosphere diminishes downward into the atmosphere due to the increasing effect of scattering. Therefore, the actinic flux usually increases with height, although above clouds the actinic flux sometimes decreases with height due to a large contribution of the upward scattered light.For cloudy atmospheres, another important parameter with respect to the actinic flux is added: cloud optical thickness. Cloud optical thickness determines cloud albedo. It can be shown that incloud characteristics and cloud height are less important while describing the effect of a cloud on the actinic flux (outside the cloud). The in-cloud values of the actinic flux can exceed the values outside the cloud.Finally, using the photostationary state relationship, a comparison is performed between model results and ground-based measurements as well as in-cloud air craft measurements.     

ICE Particle Size and Shape Effect on Solar Energy Scattering Angular Distribution

The rare occurrence of te halos produced by cirrus ice crystals in nature has been investigated by modelling the incident solar (visible) light scattering angular distribution using the Monte Carlo/ray tracing method.The results show that the irregular shapes of ice crystals and large population of small ice particles in cirrus are responsible forthe rare occurrence of halos.     

热带深对流云砧数值模拟及云凝结核数浓度对其影响的初步试验

利用中国科学院大气物理研究所发展的三维强风暴模式，对Egrett Microphysics Experiment with Radiation Lidar and Dynamics（EMERALD）试验期间的一次长寿命热带深对流个例进行对流产生、发展、消亡过程以及云砧的数值模拟，并与实测资料［包括C波段双线偏振雷达图像资料、机载云粒子成像仪（CPI）探测的云砧卷云微物理特性以及激光雷达探测的云砧宏观特性资料］进行了细致的对比，然后通过改变模式中最大云滴数浓度进行有关云凝结核数浓度影响云砧卷云冰晶含水量和数浓度的敏感性试验。模式较好地模拟出系统的一些重要宏观特征，如爆发性增长阶段、各高度雷达水平反射率因子的最大值、对流云主体移动方向、云砧底部和顶部高度。对云砧冰相粒子含水量、数浓度以及平均直径等微观特征的模拟结果与实测也比较接近。对于本文个例而言，异质核化为冰晶形成的最主要方式，其次为过冷云滴的均质核化。敏感性试验结果表明:当云凝结核数浓度增加时，爆发性增长阶段的垂直速度减小，使得对流云从中低层向高层的水物质输送量减少，从而使云砧卷云冰晶的数量减少。     

卷云对青藏高原的射出长波辐射影响的研究

本文叙述了一种求解卷云射出长波辐射的方法。通过建立卷云示迹模式,用累加法进行分析,并通过分析卷云的一些微物理特征,假设卷云含水量垂直分布模式,由三层近似化筒求得射出长波辐射通量密度。根据模式计算得到:1.与卫星观测青藏高原高云地区对应射出长波辐射通量密度基本一致的结果。2.卷云底高度及卷云厚度与射出长波辐射通量密度相关的一些有意义的结果,并讨论了青藏高原上卷云影响的特殊情况。     

一维辐射对流模式对云-辐射强迫的数值模拟研究

利用一维辐射－对流气候模式, 详细研究了云量、云光学厚度以及云高等要素的变化对大气顶和地面太阳短波辐射和红外长波辐射通量以及云的辐射强迫的影响, 给出了计算这些物理量的经验拟合公式。结果表明, 云具有极为重要的辐射－气候效应。云量、云光学厚度以及云高即使只有百分之几的变化, 所带来的辐射强迫也可以与大气二氧化碳浓度加倍所产生的辐射强迫（3.75 W/m2）相比拟。例如, 当分别给它们+3%的扰动时, 即取云量变化0.015, 云光学厚度变化0.27, 以及云高变化0.15 km时（在实际的地球大气中, 这种尺度的变化是完全可能发生的）, 那么,可以得到地气系统的太阳短波辐射强迫-3.10 W/m2以及红外长波辐射强迫-1.77 W/m2, 二者之和为-4.78 W/m2, 已经完全可以抵消大气二氧化碳浓度加倍所产生的辐射强迫。但是, 当云量、云光学厚度以及云高向相反方向产生类似扰动时, 所产生的辐射强迫可能极大地放大二氧化碳浓度增加所产生的增强温室效应。因此, 研究结果揭示出, 不管是为了解释过去的气候变化, 还是预测未来的气候变化, 亟待加强在一个变化了的气候环境（例如地面温度升高）下, 云将发生何种变化的研究。     

The Impact of Non-Lambertian Wavelength-Dependent Reflecting Surfaces on Stratospheric Radiation and Photochemistry

We have developed models of physically-based cloud and ocean surfacesfor use in photochemical models. These surface models are described in termsof a flux albedo and a normalized reflection function.Through these, the dependence of albedo on wavelength, solar zenithangle, cloud optical depth (cloud surfaces) and surface windspeed (ocean surfaces) are allowed for. In addition, the non-Lambertian nature of these surfaces is accounted for.We have integrated these surfacemodels into a multiple scattering radiative transfer model to assess their effects on the stratospheric radiation field and J-values. This was accomplished by comparison with results obtainedusing Lambertian, constant albedo surfaces. Comparisons of stratospheric radiation fields revealed that boththe wavelength and directional dependences of the cloud and oceansurfaces could be large effects.Differences between calculated J-values varied from 0 to 12% depending upon species, solar zenith angle, andheight.The J-values were then used as input for a chemical box model to examine the effects these surfaces had on stratospheric chemistry. Comparisons were made against box model runs using J-values fromconstant surfaces. Overall, the effect was on the order of 10%.Differences in number densities using these different surfacesvaried with latitude, height and species.Runs were made with and without heterogeneous chemistry.     

Impact of clouds on the surface radiation balance of the Arctic Ocean

Summary The relationship between clouds and the surface radiative fluxes over the Arctic Ocean are explored by conducting a series of modelling experiments using a one-dimensional thermodynamic sea ice model. The sensitivity of radiative flux to perturbations in cloud fraction and cloud optical depth are determined. These experiments illustrate the substantial effect that clouds have on the state of the sea ice and on the surface radiative fluxes. The effect of clouds on the net flux of radiation at the surface is very complex over the Arctic Ocean particularly due to the presence of the underlying sea ice. Owing to changes in surface albedo and temperature associated with changing cloud properties, there is a strong non-linearity between cloud properties and surface radiative fluxes. The model results are evaluated in three different contexts: 1) the sensitivity of the arctic surface radiation balance to uncertainties in cloud properties; 2) the impact of interannual variability in cloud characteristics on surface radiation fluxes and sea ice surface characteristics; and 3) the impact of climate change and the resulting changes in cloud properties on the surface radiation fluxes and sea ice characteristics.With 11 Figures     

Two-moment bulk stratiform cloud microphysics in the grid-point atmospheric model of IAP LASG (GAMIL)

A two-moment bulk stratiform microphysics scheme, including recently developed physically-based droplet activation/ice nucleation parameterizations has been implemented into the Grid-point Atmospheric Model of IAP LASG (GAMIL) as an effort to enhance the model’s capability to simulate aerosol indirect effects. Unlike the previous one-moment cloud microphysics scheme, the new scheme produces a reasonable representation of cloud particle size and number concentration. This scheme captures the observed spatial variations in cloud droplet number concentrations. Simulated ice crystal number concentrations in cirrus clouds qualitatively agree with in situ observations. The longwave and shortwave cloud forcings are in better agreement with observations. Sensitivity tests show that the column cloud droplet number concentrations calculated from two different droplet activation parameterizations are similar. However, ice crystal number concentration in mixed-phased clouds is sensitive to different heterogeneous ice nucleation formulations. The simulation with high ice crystal number concentration in mixed-phase clouds has less liquid water path and weaker cloud forcing. Furthermore, ice crystal number concentration in cirrus clouds is sensitive to different ice nucleation parameterizations. Sensitivity tests also suggest that the impact of pre-existing ice crystals on homogeneous freezing in old clouds should be taken into account.