A diagnostic study of the variability of the Earth radiation energy budget using satellite observations and numerical simulations

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There is a large discrepancy in the projection of decadal climate change among the global climate models even when identical radiative forcing is prescribed, which limits the usefulness of these projections as to providing guidance for policy-making. The large climate sensitivity uncertainty exists for lack of quantitative understanding of such key climate feedback factors as cloud and water vapor. The advancement of observing programs, such as the A-Train satellites, have provided unprecedented opportunities for diagnosing the variations of the top-of-the-atmosphere longwave and shortwave radiation and associated climate forcing and feedback from multiple angles. This research program addresses these challenges and opportunities and is dedicated to improving our understanding of the variability of the Earth radiation energy budget.