Comparisons Between 3-D Model Computations and Spectral and Broadband Observations of Column Solar Radiation Absorption During ARESE II
O'Hirok, W. (a), Gautier, C. (a), Ellingson, R.G. (b), Valero, F.P.J. (c), Pilewskie, P. (d), Michalsky, J.J. (e), Asano, S. (f), Stephens, G.L. (g), and Tooman, T.P. (h), University of California, Santa Barbara (a), University of Maryland, College Park (b), Scripps Oceanographic Institute (c), NASA Ames Research Center (d), State University of New York, Albany (e), Tohoku University, Japan (f), Colorado State University (g), Sandia National Laboratories
(h)
Eleventh Atmospheric Radiation Measurement (ARM) Science Team Meeting
The ARM Enhanced Shortwave Experiment (ARESE) II was conducted in spring 2000 to address unresolved issues about the absorption of solar radiation in the atmosphere in the presence of clouds. Results from ARESE I demonstrated that in order to match spectral observations with model computations, modeled aerosols needed a reduction in single scattering albedo and cloud droplets required a threefold increase in coalbedo. Inconsistencies between broadband measurements and model computations could not be explained. To answer some of the questions raised during the initial experiment, a greater array of both spectral and broadband instruments were deployed during ARESE II. In this study, we present comparisons between 3-D model computations and observations made from flight and ground levels. Three days consisting of primarily stratus clouds are examined. Modeled cloud fields are derived using a combination of measurements from the millimeter wave cloud radar, microwave radiometer, and multifilter rotating shadowband radiometer. Bounds on theoretical estimates of absorption are provided by altering model inputs and varying droplet and aerosol optical properties.
Note: This is the poster abstract presented at the meeting; an extended version was not provided by the author(s).
