Observed Southern Ocean Cloud Properties and Shortwave Reflection. Part II: Phase Changes and Low Cloud Feedback*

• DOI: 10.1175/jcli-d-14-00288.1
• Publication Date: 2014-09-23T20:57:08Z
• Authors: Daniel T. McCoy; Dennis L. Hartmann; Daniel P. Grosvenor
• Keywords: Shortwave; Middle latitudes; Shortwave radiation; Cloud feedback; Optical depth

Abstract Climate models produce an increase in cloud optical depth midlatitudes associated with climate warming, but the magnitude of this and its impact on reflected solar radiation vary from model to model. Transition ice liquid midlatitude clouds is thought be one mechanism for producing increased depth. Here observations properties are used a suite remote sensing instruments estimate effect conversion warming latitude band 40° 60°S. The calculated upwelling shortwave (SW↑) found important comparable SW↑ warming-induced increases models. region where authors' extends farther equatorward than This difference likely caused by other mechanisms at work also sensitive amount present susceptibility warming.