A comparative review of radiation aerosol models

Aerosol characteristics to be introduced into a set of models within a framework of a Standard Radiation Atmosphere (SRA) are reviewed, and a reconciliation of the Toon and Pollack (TP) global model with the SRA models is attempted. Among the topics discussed are physical and radiative characteristics, radiation aerosol models, albedo for single scattering, and phase function and spectral variation of extinction. Size distribution models are also covered, inclusive the Junge power law, and the modified gamma-, log normal-, and zold-distribution. Recommendations include modifying the SRA profile VI to resemble the Elterman profile modified in the TP model, improving discontinuity at the tropopause level for all SRA models, and retaining the same log-normal size distribution for all SRA components.