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Radiative effects of global MODIS cloud regimes.
Lazaros Oreopoulos1, Nayeong Cho2,1, Dongmin Lee3,1
1NASA-GSFC, Earth Science Division, Greenbelt MD 20771 USA.
Journal of Geophysical Research. Atmospheres : JGR
|April 6, 2018
Summary
Updated MODIS cloud regimes (CRs) show distinct radiative properties, differentiating between atmospheric cooling and warming effects. These findings improve understanding of cloud impacts on Earth's radiative balance.
Area of Science:
- Atmospheric Science
- Climate Science
- Remote Sensing
Background:
- Global cloud regimes (CRs) are crucial for understanding Earth's radiative balance.
- Previous classifications relied on earlier Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) data.
Purpose of the Study:
- To update and refine global cloud regimes (CRs) using the latest MODIS Collection 6 cloud retrievals.
- To investigate the radiative characteristics and atmospheric impact of these updated CRs.
- To assess the influence of observational timing (Terra/Aqua) on CR radiative contributions.
Main Methods:
- Utilized MODIS cloud retrievals from the Collection 6 dataset.
- Employed a modified derivation method for cloud regime classification.
- Analyzed various radiative flux datasets to examine CR radiative appearance.
- Compared Terra and Aqua satellite data to assess diurnal variations.
Main Results:
- Confirmed that distinct cloud regimes exhibit unique shortwave, longwave, and total cloud radiative effects.
- Demonstrated the ability to classify CRs based on their net radiative effect (cooling or warming) on the atmosphere.
- Identified vertical distributions of radiative cooling and warming using radiative heating profiles.
- Highlighted how CR radiative discrepancies correlate with cloud structure complexity and observational system interpretation.
Conclusions:
- Updated MODIS cloud regimes are radiatively distinct and provide a clearer understanding of their impact on atmospheric temperature.
- The study clarifies the radiative cooling versus warming effects of different cloud types.
- Differences between Terra and Aqua data underscore the importance of diurnal variations in cloud radiative contributions.
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