Simulations of marine stratocumulus clouds during ASTEX: Comparisons with radar radiometer measurements

The role of marine stratocumulus clouds in modifying the Earth`s radiative budget has focused unprecedented attention on this cloud type and spawned major field experiments such as FIRE and ASTEX (Atlantic Stratocumulus Transition Experiment). Two major hypotheses have driven their research: the first proposes that enhanced sources of cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) will result in higher droplet concentrations and more reflective clouds. The second follows from the first and proposes that larger concentrations of small droplets will suppress drizzle formation, and maintain higher liquid water paths.