Parameterization of radiative flux profiles within layer clouds

Abstract

This paper presents simple formulations for the vertical structure of solar and infrared radiative fluxes within a layer cloud overlying a partially reflective surface. The parameterized profile shapes are analytic, with governing parameters derived from bulk radiative properties and more physically based radiative transfer models. The bulk cloud, subcloud layer, and surface radiative properties are assumed to be known. The parameterizations are based on exponential functions of height, with decay scales related to cloud liquid water content. Although the results presented here are based on very simple assumptions about the cloud structure in the vertical, the method used is applicable to more general cases as well as to various other analytic and/or numerical radiative transfer calculations.