(Colorado State University. Libraries, 2008) Ahlgrimm, Maike, author; Randall, David A., advisor
In this study, the use of space-borne lidar observations for the comparison with, and evaluation of modeled clouds is explored. Four version of the ECMWF Integrated Forecast System and two versions of the Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS-5) model are assessed for their ability to produce marine boundary layer clouds. The cause of some of the model deficiencies is investigated, and specific suggestions for improvements are made and tested. In order to do so, two cloud types are defined: a stratocumulus type (Sc), and a trade cumulus or transitional cumulus type (TCu). Samples in four oceanic regions are classified into those categories, and the frequency of occurrence, location, and properties of the samples compared between models and observations.
