Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1227
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-1227
01 Apr 2025
 | 01 Apr 2025

Microphysical fingerprints in anvil cloud albedo

Declan L. Finney, Alan M. Blyth, Paul R. Field, Martin I. Daily, Benjamin J. Murray, Mengyu Sun, Paul J. Connolly, Zhiqiang Cui, and Steven Böing

Abstract. Improved understanding of anvil cloud radiative effect and feedback is critical for reducing uncertainty in climate projections, with recent research highlighting cloud microphysics and anvil albedo as requiring further investigation. In this study, we use nine observation-informed model experiments to simulate a 24-day period from the Deep Convective Microphysics Experiment (DCMEX), with our analysis quantifying the influence of cloud microphysics on high cloud albedo. We find that increasing cloud droplet number (2x) or ice nucleating particles (INP) (~10x), within the range of observed variability, significantly increased high cloud albedo by 1–3 % (p-value<0.05). To isolate the microphysical drivers of albedo changes, we introduce fingerprint metrics based on an ice water path (IWP) threshold, distinguishing between thick and thin high clouds. We find that increased droplet number enhances albedo in both thick and thin clouds, while higher INP concentrations primarily affect thick cloud albedo. These fingerprints offer a novel approach for elucidating causes of variability in high cloud albedo in both models and observations. Future work should explore how the fingerprints translate across different high cloud regimes and global climate context. Beyond direct microphysical influences, we also identify strong correlations between albedo and large-scale environmental factors such as relative humidity, thereby motivating future investigation of anvil albedo feedback using cloud controlling factor analysis. Our study highlights both the large-scale environment and microphysical processes as important for accurate prediction of cloud radiative effects and feedbacks in climate models.

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Journal article(s) based on this preprint

22 Sep 2025
Microphysical fingerprints in anvil cloud albedo
Declan L. Finney, Alan M. Blyth, Paul R. Field, Martin I. Daily, Benjamin J. Murray, Mengyu Sun, Paul J. Connolly, Zhiqiang Cui, and Steven Böing
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 10907–10929, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-10907-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-10907-2025, 2025
Short summary
Declan L. Finney, Alan M. Blyth, Paul R. Field, Martin I. Daily, Benjamin J. Murray, Mengyu Sun, Paul J. Connolly, Zhiqiang Cui, and Steven Böing

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1227', Blaž Gasparini, 22 Apr 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1227', Anonymous Referee #2, 22 Apr 2025
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1227', Declan Finney, 04 Jul 2025

Interactive discussion

Status: closed

Comment types: AC – author | RC – referee | CC – community | EC – editor | CEC – chief editor | : Report abuse
  • RC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1227', Blaž Gasparini, 22 Apr 2025
  • RC2: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1227', Anonymous Referee #2, 22 Apr 2025
  • AC1: 'Comment on egusphere-2025-1227', Declan Finney, 04 Jul 2025

Peer review completion

AR: Author's response | RR: Referee report | ED: Editor decision | EF: Editorial file upload
AR by Declan Finney on behalf of the Authors (04 Jul 2025)  Author's response   Author's tracked changes   Manuscript 
ED: Publish as is (04 Jul 2025) by Johannes Quaas
AR by Declan Finney on behalf of the Authors (07 Jul 2025)

Journal article(s) based on this preprint

22 Sep 2025
Microphysical fingerprints in anvil cloud albedo
Declan L. Finney, Alan M. Blyth, Paul R. Field, Martin I. Daily, Benjamin J. Murray, Mengyu Sun, Paul J. Connolly, Zhiqiang Cui, and Steven Böing
Atmos. Chem. Phys., 25, 10907–10929, https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-10907-2025,https://doi.org/10.5194/acp-25-10907-2025, 2025
Short summary
Declan L. Finney, Alan M. Blyth, Paul R. Field, Martin I. Daily, Benjamin J. Murray, Mengyu Sun, Paul J. Connolly, Zhiqiang Cui, and Steven Böing

Data sets

UM-CASIM Simulation Data for campaign cases from the DCMEX Project Declan Finney https://catalogue.ceda.ac.uk/uuid/b850297a4de4493b8ff048f574811e25/

Declan L. Finney, Alan M. Blyth, Paul R. Field, Martin I. Daily, Benjamin J. Murray, Mengyu Sun, Paul J. Connolly, Zhiqiang Cui, and Steven Böing

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Short summary
We present observation-informed modelling from the Deep Convective Microphysics Experiment to study how environmental conditions and cloud processes affect anvil cloud albedo and radiation. Aerosols influencing cloud droplets or influencing ice formation yield varying radiative effects. We introduce fingerprint metrics to discern these effects. Using detailed observations and modelling, we offer insights into high cloud radiative effects and feedbacks.
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