Computations of the Absorption of Solar Radiation by Clouds

S. Twomey Division of Cloud Physics, CSIRO, Epping, N.S.W., 2121 Australia

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Abstract

Using published data for water vapor absorption and for absorption by liquid (or ice) water, the absorption of solar radiation by clouds was computed for several representative cloud models. Absorption was found to approach 20% of the solar flux for the more absorbing and thicker clouds. There were systematic differences between continental and maritime clouds, the latter absorbing more for the same cloud thickness—an effect produced by the greater absorption efficiency of the larger maritime drops.

Abstract

Using published data for water vapor absorption and for absorption by liquid (or ice) water, the absorption of solar radiation by clouds was computed for several representative cloud models. Absorption was found to approach 20% of the solar flux for the more absorbing and thicker clouds. There were systematic differences between continental and maritime clouds, the latter absorbing more for the same cloud thickness—an effect produced by the greater absorption efficiency of the larger maritime drops.

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