Satellite-tuned fleet numerical weather central radiation model applied to the 1973-1974 data year over oceanic gridpoints

Abstract

This is a final study of a radiational model for use in the FNWC prediction system. This model utilizes original FNWC data over oceanic gridpoints which were adapted to the FNWC five-layer initial data analysis in four mid-seasonal studies for the data year 16 January 1974, 16 April 1974, 16 July 1974 and 16 October 1973. The radiational model parameterizes the large-scale cloud amounts in two layers. The primary objective was to tune model albedo values to those taken from satellite climatology by changing the cloud-reflectance coefficients used in previous studies. The albedo values were tuned for least squares deviation relative to satellite climatology albedos. The present model using tuned albedos better verified the radiational balance at the top of the atmosphere against satellite climatology than did pre-existing untuned models, both on a seasonal and annual basis