Clouds looking for a model to host them

Worldview shows the Southern Ocean clouds that climate models struggle and strive to represent. Almost exclusively found poleward of the storm track, these extensive layer clouds are constructed from multiple and single layers, frequently decoupled from the surface. Surprisingly, sometimes convection seems to be present, making one wonder whether the layers may sometimes be fed by cumulus detrainment. Much of their optical thickness appears to be attributable to supercooled liquid water.

 

In Worldview’s 3-6-7 channel blend (primarily indicating microphysical differences), the convective elements can be seen in orange/red, penetrating the yellow/whiter stratiform layers: