Improving Representation of Clouds in Climate Models

Eugene S. Takle
© 2003

Simulating clouds causes one of the largest uncertainties in global climate models. Both sizes of cloudy regions and the radiation-absorbing characteristics of clouds have contributed to this uncertainty. Recent field experiments carried out in conjunction with modeling studies (Kerr, 2003) are leading to improvements of models, which formerly had clouds that did not absorb nearly as much solar energy as real clouds. Measurements taken at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement site in Oklahoma have led to model improvements that have clouds absorbing up to 40% more solar energy than previously thought. This means that the new generation of models will have less energy passing through clouds to be absorbed at the earth's surface.

Reference

Kerr, R. A., 2003: Making clouds darker sharpens cloudy climate models. Science 300, 1859-1860.