Project Extensions

This page describes possible links with other projects and potential areas of research (other than those listed in the Diagnostic Subproject section) where CFMIP data could prove useful.

Investigation of Clouds in AMIP and CMIP using the ISCCP Simulator

During the design of AMIP and CMIP considerable difficulties emerged in specifying cloud diagnostics, since the manner in which clouds are diagnosed in models is not necessarily the same as the manner they are diagnosed in programs such as ISCCP. As outlined above tools now exist that, using model variables, produce clouds that are consistent with the satellite algorithms (Webb et al 2001).

It is strongly recommended that, as part of AMIP and CMIP, those groups that contribute to CFMIP, also include ISCCP simulator diagnostics in their submission to AMIP and CMIP. The model derived "ISCCP clouds" can then be readily compared with available ISCCP and ERBE data following the approach of Webb et al (2001). In addition it is suggested that several diagnostic sub-projects be formed that would use the model "ISCCP cloud" data in different ways. Submission of the same atmosphere model to AMIP, CMIP and CFMIP is, once again, strongly encouraged.

Cloud Resolving Models

Increases in computing capacity have meant that it is now feasible to use cloud resolving models as tools to investigate cloud feedback. Cloud resolving models are also now beginning to be incorporated (albeit in a limited experimental basis) as alternatives to cloud parametrisations in climate models. It would be very interesting if these models were used in modes similar (where possible) to those for full climate models and a comparison of the net cloud feedback (and its components) in cloud resolving models be made with the cloud feedbacks produced by the more highly parametrised processes in climate models. Active participation of the GEWEX GCSS community is encouraged and sought in this endeavour. It is strongly suggested that CRMs be run in the manner suggested by Bony et al (2003).

Link to US Atmospheric Radiation Measurement Program

Because of the strong link between the GEWEX GCSS and ARM it is strongly suggested that participants in CFMIP consider the request of the ARM modelling community (ARMMIP) and run their atmospheric models in AMIP2 Mode and save all ISCCP simulator cloud diagnostic quantities (exact experimental design to be determined but investigation of the 1997/8 El Nino is likely).

New Analysis Methodologies

Although current analysis methods for diagnosing feedbacks in climate change experiments have provided much useful information the techniques are all limited in scope, Particularly frustrating has been the inability to relate the climate on seasonal and interannual time scales to feedback processes. Another area needing further work is a methodology that enables the separation of the non linear interaction between cloud feedback and other feedback factors such as water vapour and lapse rate. Further thought in these areas is clearly called for. The approaches of Aires and Rossow (2003) and Hallegatte et al (2003) in a simplified modelling environment are most interesting.