Role of Cloud Subgrid‐Scale Structure in Modulating Clouds Viewed by ISCCP, MODIS, and MISR Simulators

The role of cloud subgrid-scale structure in modulating satellite views clouds was investigated. This realized by implementing a stochastic generator into the CFMIP (Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project) Observation Simulator Package together with surrogate produced cloud-resolving model (CRM). structural parameters are decorrelation length for overlapping fraction (Lcf), condensate (Lcw), and shape parameter v measuring inhomogeneity. With use median values Lcf, Lcw, derived from CRM, simulated bear close resemblance to those using CRM-inherent clouds. Varying these range lower upper quartiles leads differences that about one-fifth caused changing microphysics CRM. While Lcf influences throughout whole troposphere, Lcw result changes mostly within layers. Increasing (decreasing) inhomogeneity or degree decreased (increased) occurrence clouds, except high-topped viewed Multiangle Imaging Spectroradiometer. Care must then be exercised when interpreting biases comparison different instruments. Sensitivity tests show distribution gamma lognormal makes little impact on final results. Although induced any alone much limited, they getting comparable seen between models observations all synergistically altered. brings encouraging results modeling community simulator-diagnosed can potentially improved tuning parameters.