Contrasting GCM simulations of Arctic Mixed Phase Boundary Layer Clouds
with Observations from a Tethered Balloon Platform
Abstract
Mixed phase clouds, consisting of ice particles and super cooled liquid
droplets, predominantly found in Arctic, are poorly represented in
various climate models. A unique tethered balloon campaign carrying 4π
radiometer, a cloud particle imager, and a meteorological package on
board was conducted in Ny-Ålesund, Norway, located high in the Arctic at
78.91°N, 11.91°E during May-June 2008. The radiometric and cloud
observations at 500nm and 800nm were collected during a month long
experimental campaign. A state-of-the-art discrete ordinate radiative
transfer model was used to estimate optimal cloud optical properties.
These optical properties are contrasted with those of the cloud
parameterization in the new NOAA-GFDL AM4 model that is presently being
used in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 6 (CMIP6). The
improved simulation of cloud optical properties will aid in
understanding cloud radiation feedbacks and better representation of
clouds in global climate model.