Effects of Interactive Cloud Cover and Liquid Water Content Programs on Climatic Temperature Perturbations

TLDR: In this article, a physically-based one-dimensional interactive cloud formation model was developed, which incorporates parameterizations of precipitation and evaporation, and the model can predict cloud cover and liquid water content as a function of temperature distribution.

Abstract: A physically-based one-dimensional interactive cloud formation model has been developed, which incorporates parameterizations of precipitation and evaporation. The model can predict cloud cover and liquid water content as a function of temperature distribution. The model-computed cloud liquid water content compares well with the statistical average based on aircraft measurements. This model is used in connection with a one-dimensional radiative-turbulent climate model to investigate temperature changes due to doubling of CO2. The incorporation of an interactive cloud formation program, in which cloud cover and liquid water content are generated in accordance with the temperature distribution, reduces the sensitivity of temperature increases, as compared with the case when cloud cover and/or liquid water content are fixed in the climate model. Preliminary results from a two-dimensional climate model coupled with a modified cloud program, including horizontal transports also support the finding that clouds appear to stabilize the perturbed climate due to external radiative forcings.