Transfer of infrared radiation through clouds.

Calculations of radiative through and resulting ir cooling of cloud forms is certainly more difficult than observations. Based on observations, a radiative transfer model has been developed for absorption in clouds employing an observationally determined volume absorption coefficient, ranging from 0.0005 to 0.0007 cm(-1). This model does not require any assumption of cloud blackness or thickness and permits clouds to remain partially transparent or opaque as their thickness and absorption dictate. Agreement within a standard deviation of 12.0 W m(-2) between observation and calculation has been maintained in approximately twenty profiles through clouds. The standard deviation was determined from some 140 observations.