In CAM3, there are 3 types of clouds: stratus (Cs), convective(Cc) and layered clouds based on realtive humidity (Crel).
You can find the description of the cloud fraction parameterization in:
http://www.cesm.ucar.edu/models/atm-cam/docs/description/
To output:
- the stratus cloud fraction, use: CLDST
- the convective cloud fraction, use: CONCLD
The total cloud fraction at each level is:
CLOUD = max (Cs, Cc, Crel)
> I am a graduate student using low level cloud fraction data from the CCSM3.0 (CAM3) model for my Master's thesis. In the model documentation it says that cloud fraction is comprised of amounts of low-level marine stratus, convective, and layered clouds. It also says that 3 cloud fraction levels (low, middle, high) are calculated by pressure level.
>
> I cannot seem to find any documentation that states what cloud type is in each level. Based on the equations I am left to assume that low level cloud fraction could contain all three cloud types instead of just low-level marine stratus. Could you help me find an answer to this question? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Kathryn
You can find the description of the cloud fraction parameterization in:
http://www.cesm.ucar.edu/models/atm-cam/docs/description/
To output:
- the stratus cloud fraction, use: CLDST
- the convective cloud fraction, use: CONCLD
The total cloud fraction at each level is:
CLOUD = max (Cs, Cc, Crel)
> I am a graduate student using low level cloud fraction data from the CCSM3.0 (CAM3) model for my Master's thesis. In the model documentation it says that cloud fraction is comprised of amounts of low-level marine stratus, convective, and layered clouds. It also says that 3 cloud fraction levels (low, middle, high) are calculated by pressure level.
>
> I cannot seem to find any documentation that states what cloud type is in each level. Based on the equations I am left to assume that low level cloud fraction could contain all three cloud types instead of just low-level marine stratus. Could you help me find an answer to this question? Any assistance would be greatly appreciated!
>
> Sincerely,
>
> Kathryn