Parameterization of the Solar and Infrared Radiative Properties of Clouds.
Abstract
Reflection, transmission and absorption of solar radiation by 4 cloud types (low, middle, high and stratus clouds) are computed as functions of the solar zenith angle and cloud liquid water/ice content; and reflection, transmission and emission of infrared radiation by cirrus clouds are calculated as functions of cloud ice content. The plane-parallel radiative transfer program employed is based on the discrete-ordinate method with applications to inhomogeneous atmospheres covering the entire solar and infrared spectrums and taking into account the gaseous absorption in scattering atmospheres. Effects of surface reflectivity on the solar radiative properties of clouds are parameterized in terms of the water vapor absorptivity below the cloud, ground reflection and average cloud reflection. The parameterized empirical-theoretical functions for the solar and infrared radiative properties of clouds are used in a global radiation budget model. The resulting radiation balance of the earth-atmosphere system matched satellite observations of planetary albedo, absorption of solar radiation, and upwelling infrared radiation more closely than did earlier computed models. The planetary albedo was calculated to be 0.31.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1978
- Accession Number
- ADA065471
Entities
People
- Gerard Donald Wittman
Organizations
- University of Utah