A Novel Approach for Introducing 3D Cloud Spatial Structure Into 1D Radiative Transfer

For original submission and image(s), see ARM Research Highlights http://www.arm.gov/science/highlights/ Research Highlight Subgrid-scale variability is one of the main reasons why parameterizations are needed in large-scale models. Similarly, subpixel-scale cloud heterogeneity also plagues satellite retrievals of cloud and aerosol properties. Cloud heterogeneity, to some extent, can be represented by the so-called Independent Column Appoximation, i.e., the gridbox or pixel can be divided into many non-interactive subcolumns and each subcolumn can have its own cloud properties. Neglecting the interaction between subcolumns (i.e., cloud structure) can result in considerable biases in the calculated grid-average quantities.