Abstract Most empirical studies estimating the climate sensitivity due to cloud amount are based on calculating a cloud sensitivity parameter by means of satellite measurements. A different way to estimate the interaction between clouds and radiation is to determine the effect of radiative heating and cooling by clouds on the generation of available potential energy (GAPE). This provides a measure of the influence of clouds on the general circulation. The radiative contribution of clouds to the GAPE is given by the net cloud generated radiative heating (CGRH) and an efficiency factor. The CGRH, parameterized in terms of cloud type, height, and optical depth, can be estimated from satellite measurements. The efficiency factor is only a function of the temperature distribution of the atmosphere. Thus, taking satellite measurements as for instance those of the ISCCP, the radiative impact of clouds on the general circulation can be inferred.
A study on cloud-radiation interaction
Advances in Space Research ; 9 , 7 ; 63-73
1989-01-01
11 pages
Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)
Elektronische Ressource
Englisch
A study on cloud-radiation interaction
NTRS | 1989
|Cloud Cavitation and Bubble Interaction
British Library Conference Proceedings | 1986
|CLOUDS - a cloud, aerosol, radiation and precipitation explorer
British Library Conference Proceedings | 2003
|