Cloud-Climate Interactions: Using Satellite Observations to Probe the Atmospheric Boundary Layer

Abstract:

In its most recent report, the IPCC reiterated that clouds remain the largest source of uncertainty in climate projections. Current climate models are still far from realistically representing clouds. Improving the representation of clouds in climate models is therefore fundamental to improving our confidence in climate projections. In particular boundary layer clouds (often also referred to as low clouds) are central to the entire cloud/climate feedback debate. Remote sensing techniques from space to probe the structure of cloudy boundary layers are discussed in detail. New methodologies to utilize these new measurements from space to improve parameterizations of the cloudy boundary layer in climate models are also presented.