Southern Ocean Clouds

What Southern Ocean Clouds does 

Southern Ocean Clouds (SOC) investigates the large positive bias in sea surface temperature and downwelling shortwave radiation in climate models due errors in the representation of mixed-phase clouds (clouds which contain a mixture of water droplets and ice crystals, and typically form where the air temperature is below zero) within these models over the high latitudes of the Southern Ocean. SOC combines new observations, lab studies and modelling to improve how these clouds are represented in climate models.

Why this matters 

 SOC helps to: 

• identify sources and composition of cloud-forming nuclei over the Southern Ocean
• understand key processes like secondary ice production (where new ice crystals form from pre-existing ones) 
• improve models of aerosol production over the Southern Ocean 
• improve how clouds are represented in climate models 
• improve global climate forecasts 

The Southern Ocean is one of the cloudiest places on Earth and these clouds play a critical role in our climate system, affecting how much sunlight reaches the Ocean surface, and the heat that escapes back into space. However, these clouds aren’t well represented in climate models. By improving our understanding of these clouds, scientists can make more accurate forecasts for scientists and policymakers.

How SOC works 

SOC’s approach includes: 

• investigating sources and composition of cloud-forming nuclei over the Southern Ocean
• studying cloud processes such as secondary ice production 
• identifying high latitude aerosol sources with new field data 
• developing new parameterisations to improve climate models 
• testing these improvements through global model experiments 

“We’re particularly interested in the aerosol particles that act as ice-nucleating or cloud condensation nuclei,” explains the SOC project lead, Dr Tom Lachlan Cope.

“These particles are essential for cloud formation; and their composition, size, and can significantly impact cloud properties and behaviour.”

Who is involved 

SOC is part of the Natural Environment Research Council CloudSense programme that is investigating Uncertainty in climate sensitivity due to clouds. It brings together experts in cloud physics, atmospheric science, and climate modelling from UK and international institutions. 

The team works closely with the CloudSense community to share results and link them into global research. 

Science objectives 

SOC aims to: 

• determine sources and composition of cloud-forming nuclei at high Southern Latitudes
• study processes involved in secondary ice production 
• validate and improve aerosol models with detailed observations 
• enhance the performance of climate models over the Southern Ocean using new parameterisations 
• assess their impact on global climate simulations 

These objectives target the largest regional errors in current models. 

1. Investigating the source and composition of the cloud forming nuclei responsible for these clouds
2. Investigating the cloud microphysical processes –such as secondary ice production –that are important in these mixed phase clouds
3. Using the new observations to identify and partition the various sources of aerosols found in this region
4. In conjunction with our new field data, developing new microphysical parameterisations for use in climate models
5. Conducting a series of global-scale model experiments, using our new microphysical parameterisations, to assess the impact of Southern Ocean clouds on the global climate system and so reduce the climate sensitivity due to clouds.

External collaborators

Keith Bower – University of Manchester
Jo Browse – University of Exeter
Valerio Ferracci – Cranfield University
Neil Harris – Cranfield University
Dan Partridge – University of Exeter
Ian Renfrew – University of East Anglia
David Topping – University of Manchester

1. Cloud scientists take to the skies to solve climate uncertainty

   A project looking at how clouds affect climate change in Antarctica starts its second year of field research this month. The Southern Ocean Clouds (SOC) project, which is part of the CloudSense programme, will carry out research on the RRS Sir David Attenborough and at Rothera Research Station in Antarctica.

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2. 2023-2024 field season begins for British Antarctic Survey

   The Antarctic field season has started, with over 600 people beginning the journey South to work on over 60 projects on station and in the field.

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3. British Antarctic Survey completes Antarctic field season

   The 2022/23 Antarctic field season has ended, marking the conclusion of another successful year of scientific exploration in one of the world’s most remote and challenging environments. This field season, […]

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4. Flying campaign to improve climate modelling begins

   A team of scientists are currently conducting a major experiment over the Southern Ocean that will help to improve climate modelling. The Southern Ocean Clouds project team are performing several […]

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1. Airborne Meteorology

   Airborne instrument capability

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2. Rothera Research Station

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3. Bird Island Research Station

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4. RRS Sir David Attenborough

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5. Air and aerosol sampling facilities

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6. Twin Otter aircraft

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