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Model test of CCN-cloud albedo climate forcingCloud condensation nuclei (CCN) influence cloud albedo through their effect on the cloud droplet size distribution. A number of studies have evaluated the climatic impact of the CCN-cloud albedo feedback, but all have assumed that cloud distributions, cloud thicknesses, and cloud liquid water contents would remain constant as the climate adjusted. This assumption has been tested using the Livermore version of the National Center for Atmospheric Research Community Climate Model. The results indicate that there are no significant compensating changes in cloud properties that would counteract the 1.7 percent global albedo increase resulting from a fourfold increase in marine CCN concentration. Furthermore, when ocean surface temperatures are decreased 4 C in a manner broadly consistent with the enhanced cloud albedos, an increase in cloud fraction of 3.5 percent and a reduction in cloud altitude are predicted, leading to a positive feedback from clouds that would imply a climate impact roughly double that calculated from cloud droplet size distribution change alone.
Document ID
19900043984
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ghan, S. J.
(Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Livermore, CA, United States)
Taylor, K. E.
(Lawrence Livermore National Lab. Livermore, CA, United States)
Penner, J. E.
(Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Livermore, CA, United States)
Erickson, D. J., III
(California, University La Jolla, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 17
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Meteorology And Climatology
Accession Number
90A31039
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: W-7405-ENG-48
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-1827
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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