The parameterization of subgrid-scale cloud by renormalization methods
- NASA GISS, New York, NY (United States)
A set of coupled equations is developed to provide an exact representation of the mean radiative properties of an inhomogeneous cloud field. From this exact representation, an approximate method is found by which the mean radiative properties of an inhomogeneous medium can be evaluated using plane parallel radiative transfer theory, but with a simple renormalization of the single-scattering parameters to include the effects of an inhomogeneous distribution of droplets within the cloud. The domain of validity of this renormalization method is then investigated by comparing it against Monte Carlo calculations of radiative transfer through inhomogeneous cloud fields. The advantages of this method include simplicity, speed, and the ability to determine how sensitive the retrieval of a physical quantity from remote sensing measurements will be to cloud inhomogeneities. 23 refs., 2 figs.
- OSTI ID:
- 535158
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-960146--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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