Articles | Volume 20, issue 21
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12889-2020
https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-20-12889-2020
Research article
 | 
05 Nov 2020
Research article |  | 05 Nov 2020

A test of the ability of current bulk optical models to represent the radiative properties of cirrus cloud across the mid- and far-infrared

Richard J. Bantges, Helen E. Brindley, Jonathan E. Murray, Alan E. Last, Jacqueline E. Russell, Cathryn Fox, Stuart Fox, Chawn Harlow, Sebastian J. O'Shea, Keith N. Bower, Bryan A. Baum, Ping Yang, Hilke Oetjen, and Juliet C. Pickering

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Subject: Radiation | Research Activity: Atmospheric Modelling and Data Analysis | Altitude Range: Troposphere | Science Focus: Physics (physical properties and processes)
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Cited articles

Anderson G., Chetwynd, J., Clough, S., Shettle, E., and Kneizys, F.: AFGL atmospheric constituent profiles (0–120 km). Technical Report, U.S. Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Hanscom Air Force Base, MA, p. 01731, 1986. 
Bantges, R. J., Russell, J. E., and Haigh, J. D.: Cirrus cloud top-of-atmosphere radiance spectra in the thermal infrared, J. Quant. Spect. Radiat. Trans., 63, 487–498, 1999. 
Baran, A.: The dependence of cirrus infrared radiative properties on ice crystal geometry and shape of the size-distribution function, Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc., 131, 1129–1142, https://doi.org/10.1256/qj.04.91, 2005. 
Baran, A.: The impact of cirrus microphysical and macrophysical properties on upwelling far-infrared spectra, Q. J. R. Meteorol. Soc., 133, 1425–1437, 2007. 
Baran, A.: From the single-scattering properties of ice crystals to climate prediction: A way forward, Atmos. Res., 112, 45–69, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.atmosres.2012.04.010, 2012. 
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Short summary
Understanding how ice clouds influence the Earth's energy balance remains a key challenge for predicting the future climate. These clouds are ubiquitous and are composed of ice crystals that have complex shapes that are incredibly difficult to model. This work exploits new measurements of the Earth's emitted thermal energy made from instruments flown on board an aircraft to test how well the latest ice cloud models can represent these clouds. Results indicate further developments are required.
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