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DOE OSTI · 1130680

Technical Note: Estimating Aerosol Effects on Cloud Radiative Forcing

Ghan, Steven J.
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Abstract

Estimating anthropogenic aerosol effects on the planetary energy balance through the aerosol influence on clouds using the difference in cloud radiative forcing from simulations with and without anthropogenic emissions produces estimates that are positively biased. A more representative method is suggested using the difference in cloud radiative forcing calculated with aerosol radiative effects neglected. The method also yields an aerosol radiative forcing decomposition that includes a term quantifying the impact of changes in surface albedo. The method requires only two additional diagnostic calculations: the whole-sky and clear-sky top-of-atmosphere radiative flux with aerosol radiative effects neglected.

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BibTeXRIS

Ghan, Steven J.. 2013-10-09. Technical Note: Estimating Aerosol Effects on Cloud Radiative Forcing. https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-13-9971-2013

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