Abstract:

Cloud-radiation feedback is considered as one source of large uncertainties in climate simulation. To improve understanding of cloud-climate mechanisms and evaluating cloud processes and cloud feedback in climate models, the Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project (CFMIP) is firstly endorsed by the World Climate Research Programme (WCRP) in 2003. Now, CFMIP has entered its third phase, CFMIP-3. Comparison with its two previous phases, the CFMIP-3 experiments have more types and more specific scientific questions to be addressed. Besides adding model outputs in the CMIP6 DECK and Historical experiments using CFMIP Observation Simulator Package (COSP), the CFMIP-3 experiments include Tier-1 (required) and Tier-2 (optional) types to address 7 cloud-related questions. The CFMIP brings climate modelling, observational and process modelling communities together and provides tools for evaluating and understanding the simulations of clouds and cloud feedbacks in climate models.

Key words: Cloud feedback, Experiment design, Scientific question, Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project (CFMIP)