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Cloud Radiative Forcing at the ARM Climate Research Facility: Part 2. The Vertical Redistribution of Radiant Energy by Clouds.

Mace, Gerald University of Utah
Benson, Sally University of Utah
Kato, Seiji Hampton University/NASA Langley Research Center

Documentation with data of the effects of clouds on the radiant energy balance of the surface and atmosphere represent a critical shortcoming in the set of observations that are needed to ascertain the validity of model simulations of the earth’s climate. While clouds are known to cool the climate system from TOA radiation budget studies, the redistribution of energy between the surface and atmosphere and within the atmosphere by clouds has not been examined in detail. Using data collected at the Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program (ARM) Southern Great Plains (SGP) site, we use long-term measurements of cloud occurrence and structure together with a scheme to characterize the cloud microphysical and radiative properties to estimate the uncertainty in our capacity to calculate the radiative forcing and effect of clouds at the top of atmosphere, the surface and within the atmosphere. The cloud radiative effects and the atmospheric cloud radiative forcing are examined as a function of cloud type during the year 2000.

This poster will be displayed at the ARM Science Team Meeting.