Evaluating clouds, aerosols, and their interactions in three global climate models using satellite simulators and observations

摘要: Accurately representing aerosol-cloud interactions in global climate models is challenging. As parameterizations evolve, it important to evaluate their performance with appropriate use of observations. In this investigation we compare aerosols, clouds, and three (Geophysical Fluid Dynamics Laboratory-Atmosphere Model 3 (AM3), National Center for Atmospheric Research-Community Atmosphere 5 (CAM5), Goddard Institute Space Studies-ModelE2) Aqua Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) satellite Modeled cloud properties are diagnosed using a MODIS simulator. Cloud droplet number concentrations (N) computed identically from satellite-simulated MODIS-observed values liquid optical depth effective radius. We find that aerosol (τa) simulated by similar observations many regions around the globe. For N, AM3 CAM5 capture observed spatial pattern higher coastal marine stratocumulus versus remote ocean regions, though modeled values, general, than observed. Aerosol-cloud were as sensitivity ln(N) ln(τa) clouds near South Africa (SAF) Southeast Asia where τa varies time. more sensitive observations, while ModelE2 statistically insignificant. This widely used could be subject misinterpretation due confounding influence meteorology on both aerosols clouds. A simple framework assessing at constant illustrates can change positive insignificant when including relative humidity. Satellite-simulated standard model N compared; SAF, significantly lower bias 83 cm−3.