Ocean surface albedo in AFES

Abstract

The albedo of the ocean surface is of primary importance in the radiative energy balance of the Earth. It takes the smallest value of close to 0 over ocean water and the largest value of nearly 1 over snow-covered sea ice. The albedo of ocean water is determined by of the solar zenith angle, slope of the surface and optical properties of the atmosphere and ocean. The albedo of sea ice is significantly influenced by snow cover. During the warm season, ponds of melt water of snow and ice result in large reduction of albedo. Based on the knowledge from foregoing observational and modelling studies, the treatment of the ocean surface albedo in AFES (atmospheric general circulation model for the Earth Simulator) has been improved. Recent modifications to albedo parametrizations incorporated in AFES are described and optimum values for various parameters are adjusted to the observation data. The effects of albedo on global energy balance and atmospheric circulation are discussed.