Improving the Spectral Properties in the Unified Model Radiation Code

We are presenting results from improvements in the spectral properties used by the Met Office weather and climate model (Unified Model) radiative transfer code (SOCRATES). These improvements have been made by comparing the SOCRATES output (in both 300 bands and 9 bands setup) with a high resolution line-by-line model. We were able to trace radiative flux differences caused by using different gas optical properties. We have compared HITRAN based optical properties with those generated via LBLRTM. Finally, we also present the impact of improved spectral properties on radiative fluxes and heating rates when used in the UM.