Use of cloud observations and mesoscale meteorology models to evaluate and improve cloud parameterizations. Technical progress report, 1 December 1991--30 November 1992
This research program utilizes satellite and surface-derived cloud observations together with standard meteorological measurements to evaluate and improve our ability to accurately diagnose cloud coverage. Results are to be used to compliment existing or future parameterizations of cloud effects in general circulation models, since nearly all cloud parameterizations must specify a fractional area of cloud coverage when calculating radiative or dynamic cloud effects, and current parameterizations rely on rather crude cloud cover estimates. We have compiled and reviewed a list of formulations used by various climate research groups to specify cloud cover. We find considerable variability between formulations used by various climate and meteorology models, and under some conditions, one formulation will produce a zero cloud amount, while an alternate formulation calculates 95% cloud cover under the same environmental conditions. All formulations hypothesize that cloud cover is predominantly determined by the average relative humidity, although some formulations allow local temperature lapse rates and vertical velocities to influence cloud amount.
- Research Organization:
- State Univ. of New York, Albany, NY (United States). Atmospheric Sciences Research Center
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE, Washington, DC (United States)
- DOE Contract Number:
- FG02-92ER61364
- OSTI ID:
- 10187937
- Report Number(s):
- DOE/ER/61364-1; ON: DE93003245
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: 30 Oct 1992
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Use of cloud observations and mesoscale meteorology models to evaluate and improve cloud parameterizations. Technical progress report, 1 October 1992--30 September 1993
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