Abstract
Abstract A parameterization for specifying subgrid-scale cloud distributions in atmospheric models is developed. The fractional area of a grid-scale column in which clouds from two levels overlap (i.e., the cloud overlap probability) is described in terms of the correlation between horizontal cloudiness functions in the two levels. Cloud distributions that are useful for radiative transfer and cloud microphysical calculations are then determined from cloud fraction at individual model levels and a decorrelation depth. All pair-wise overlap probabilities among cloudy levels are obtained from the cloudiness correlations. However, those probabilities can overconstrain the determination of the cloud distribution. It is found that cloud fraction in each level along with the overlap probabilities among nearest neighbor cloudy levels is sufficient to specify the full cloud distribution. The parameterization has both practical and interpretative advantages over existing parameterizations. The parameterized cloud ...
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
