We perform a case study for estimating the impact of the vertical distribution of cloud fraction on the normalized cloud radiative forcing (CRF) using a decade-long (2000-2009) high resolution dataset of cloud macrophysical and radiative properties. This dataset is developed for fair-weather cumuli (FWC) observed at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site. The design of the case study reduces effects associated with non-cloud factors, such as the diurnal changes of aerosol loading and solar zenith angle. The results of the case study suggest that the impact of the vertical cloud structure can be substantial. Therefore, taking into account the vertical distribution of clouds would be beneficial for more comprehensive parameterizations aimed to portray the complex interactions between clouds and radiation more accurately
Revised: February 10, 2012 |
Published: October 1, 2011
Citation
Kassianov E.I., and L.K. Berg. 2011.Multi-Summer Climatology of Cumuli at SGP site: Vertical Structure. In Proceedings of the SPIE: Remote Sensing of Clouds and the Atmosphere XVI, September 21, 2011, Prague, Czech Republic, edited by EI Kassianov, et al, 8177, Paper No. 81770T. Bellingham, Washington:SPIE.PNNL-SA-83350.doi:10.1117/12.897408