Temperature-Dependence of the Clear-Sky Feedback in Radiative-Convective Equilibrium

We quantify the temperature-dependence of the clear-sky climate sensitivity in a one-dimensional radiative-convective equilibrium model. The atmosphere is adjusted to fixed surface temperatures between 280 and 330 K while preserving other boundary conditions in particular the relative humidity and the CO2 concentration. We show that an out-of-bounds usage of the radiation scheme rapid radiative transfer model for GCMs (RRTMG) can lead to an erroneous decrease of the feedback parameter and an associated bump in climate sensitivity as found in other modeling studies. Using a line-by-line radiative transfer model, we find no evidence for a strengthening of the longwave radiative feedback for surface temperatures between 305 and 320 K. However, the line-by-line simulations also show a slight decrease in climate sensitivity when surface temperatures exceed 310 K. This decrease is caused by water-vapor masking the radiative forcing at the flanks of the CO2 absorption band, which reduces the total radiative forcing by about 18%.

Automated summary

This study quantifies the temperature-dependence of clear-sky climate sensitivity using a one-dimensional model, highlighting potential errors in radiation schemes that can impact climate sensitivity. Line-by-line simulations show that there is no strengthening of the longwave radiative feedback within certain temperature ranges, with a slight decrease in climate sensitivity attributed to water vapor masking radiative forcing at the flanks of the CO2 absorption band.