A simple model for cloud radiative forcing

Introduction Conclusions References Tables Figures Back Close Full Screen / Esc Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics Discussions This discussion paper is/has been under review for the journal Atmospheric Chemistry and Physics (ACP). Please refer to the corresponding final paper in ACP if available. Abstract Introduction Conclusions References Tables Figures Back Close Full Screen / Esc Abstract We present a simple model for the longwave and shortwave cloud radiative forcing based on the evaluation of extensive radiative transfer calculations. The simplicity of the model equations fosters the understanding on how clouds affect the Earth's energy balance. In comparison with results from a comprehensive radiative transfer model, 5 the accuracy of our parameterization is typically better than 20%. We demonstrate the usefulness of our model using the example of tropical cirrus clouds. We conclude that possible applications for the model include the fast estimate of cloud radiative forcing, the evaluation of the sensitivity to changes in environmental conditions, and as a tool in education.