Cloud-climate feedbacks and climate models: using satellite observations to improve boundary layer cloud parameterizations

In 2007 the IPCC reiterated that clouds remain the largest source of uncertainty in climate projections. Current climate models are still far from realistically representing clouds. Improving the representation of clouds in climate models is therefore fundamental to improving our confidence in climate projections. In particular boundary layer clouds (often also referred to as low clouds) are central to the entire cloud/climate feedback debate. Remote sensing techniques from space to probe cloudy boundary layers are presented. New methodologies to utilize these new boundary layer measurements from space to improve parameterizations of the cloudy boundary layer in climate models are discussed in detail.