Entropy in Climate Models. Part I: Vertical Structure of Atmospheric Entropy Production

Abstract

The vertical atmospheric entropy structure has been investigated using one-dimensional radiative?convective models. A method for evaluating radiation entropy is proposed. In the models, the entropy radiation is dealt with in a way parallel to the energy radiation. The profiles of the radiative entropy fluxes, the vertical distributions of the internal entropy production rates of the atmosphere in different seasons, and the entropy budget for a column atmosphere are obtained. The influence of clouds and the possible change of atmospheric constituents on the atmospheric entropy structure are also discussed.