ICRCCM (InterComparison of Radiation Codes used in Climate Models) Phase 2: Verification and calibration of radiation codes in climate models
Following the finding by the InterComparison of Radiation Codes used in Climate Models (ICRCCM) of large differences among fluxes predicted by sophisticated radiation models that could not be sorted out because of the lack of a set of accurate atmospheric spectral radiation data measured simultaneously with the important radiative properties of the atmosphere, our team of scientists proposed to remedy the situation by carrying out a comprehensive program of measurement and analysis called SPECTRE (Spectral Radiance Experiment). SPECTRE will establish an absolute standard against which to compare models, and will aim to remove the hidden variables'' (unknown humidities, aerosols, etc.) which radiation modelers have invoked to excuse disagreements with observation. The data to be collected during SPECTRE will form the test bed for the second phase of ICRCCM, namely verification and calibration of radiation codes used to climate models. This should lead to more accurate radiation models for use in parameterizing climate models, which in turn play a key role in the prediction of trace-gas greenhouse effects. Overall, the project is proceeding much as had been anticipated in the original proposal. The most significant accomplishments to date include the completion of the analysis of the original ICRCCM calculations, the completion of the initial sensitivity analysis of the radiation calculations for the effects of uncertainties in the measurement of water vapor and temperature and the acquisition and testing of the inexpensive spectrometers for use in the field experiment. The sensitivity analysis and the spectrometer tests given us much more confidence that the field experiment will yield the quality of data necessary to make a significant tests of and improvements to radiative transfer models used in climate studies.
- Research Organization:
- Maryland Univ., College Park, MD (USA). Dept. of Meteorology
- Sponsoring Organization:
- DOE/ER
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG05-90ER60971
- OSTI ID:
- 6232336
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/60971-1; ON: DE91007323
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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ICRCCM Phase 2: Verification and calibration of radiation codes in climate models
ICRCCM Phase 2: Verification and calibration of radiation codes in climate models. Technical report, 1 November 1991--1 December 1992
Related Subjects
CLIMATES
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
ABSORPTION SPECTRA
CALIBRATION
CLOUDS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
COMPUTER CALCULATIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EMISSION SPECTRA
ERRORS
HEATING RATE
PERFORMANCE TESTING
PROGRESS REPORT
SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS
SOLAR FLUX
SPECTROMETERS
TROPOSPHERE
DOCUMENT TYPES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
SPECTRA
TESTING
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