| Autor: |
D. R. Wilson, K. D. Williams, Mark J. Webb, Tokuta Yokohata, A. Bodas-Salcedo, Tomoo Ogura |
| Rok vydání: |
2008 |
| Předmět: |
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| Zdroj: |
SOLA. 4:29-32 |
| ISSN: |
1349-6476 |
| DOI: |
10.2151/sola.2008-008 |
| Popis: |
The source terms of the cloud condensate tendency equation are analyzed for two general circulation models to clarify the effect of model differences on the non-convective cloud response to CO2 doubling. This analysis investigates the differences in the mechanism of cloud feedback between models, which is considered a major source of uncertainty in climate change projections. The two GCMs, the Hadley Centre model and MIROC, exhibit marked differences in cloud response in the mixed-phase region: cloud in middle to low latitudes decreases in the former and increases in the latter. The source terms indicate that the difference is attributable to the condensation-evaporation response. Discussions on the inter-model variance of cloud feedback may thus be assisted by developing a better understanding and evaluation of condensation-evaporation. The difference in the cloud response is also related to the relative importance of ice sedimentation compared to other microphysical processes: the former tends to increase mixed-phase cloud while the latter tends to decrease the cloud. Physically based modeling of the relevant microphysical processes is thus considered essential for having more confidence in the simulated cloud feedback. |
| Databáze: |
OpenAIRE |
| Externí odkaz: |
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