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Parameterization of the cloud optical thickness: Influence of clear air entrainment
Author(s) -
Pontikis Constantin
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/93gl02855
Subject(s) - entrainment (biomusicology) , liquid water path , adiabatic process , cloud computing , mixing (physics) , liquid water content , air entrainment , optical path , cloud height , mechanics , materials science , cloud physics , optical depth , computational physics , physics , environmental science , thermodynamics , meteorology , optics , cloud cover , aerosol , computer science , rhythm , acoustics , operating system , quantum mechanics
The effects of clear air entrainment and mixing on the cloud optical thickness are investigated. Three different approximate expressions of the cloud optical thickness are derived according to the type of mixing and the presence or absence of secondary droplet activation. They depend upon the liquid water path as well as upon the optical thickness and liquid water path of the corresponding adiabatic cloud. The influence of the cloud droplet concentration on the cloud optical thickness values is shown. These expressions are used to deduce a parameterization of the optical thickness, that is further validated with experimental data.