Processes Controlling Extratropical Cloud Feedbacks and Climate Sensitivity from the Micro to Global Scale

Abstract:

Extratropical cloud feedbacks occur due to a series of different processes, often acting in opposition to each other. Changes to turbulence in low clouds may alter their extent, changes to the extra-tropical storm tracks may move cloud systems around and change their evolution, and cloud microphysical processes such as ice nucleation control the phase and radiative balance of clouds. Recent satellite and in-situ observations have provided a wealth of information to better constrain these processes. We will present a framework for understanding these changes and new methodologies and use of data from recent Southern Ocean field experiments to show how in-situ data can be used to constrain global climate simulations and climate sensitivity and why that is a major contributor to recent adjustments to climate sensitivity in several major Earth System Models.