Evaluating Mean State Cloud Properties in the Simple Cloud‐Resolving E3SM Atmosphere Model (SCREAM)

Abstract Accurately simulating clouds remains a key challenge in global climate models, primarily because cloud formation involves sub‐grid processes that are parameterized and crudely represented in models. This study examines the performance of DOE's Simple Cloud‐Resolving Energy Exascale Earth System (E3SM) Atmosphere Model (SCREAM) in simulating cloud properties and their spatio‐temporal distribution by comparing against satellite observations. Two horizontal resolutions of SCREAM (3 and 12 km) are examined, and both depict a realistic spatial structure of mean‐state cloud cover but underestimate its global mean magnitude. SCREAM 3 km reasonably reproduces the distribution of mean‐state cloud properties across various cloud optical thickness and cloud‐top pressure regimes, with performance comparable to CMIP5 and CMIP6 ensemble and marginally outperforming SCREAM 12 km. Still, SCREAM 3 km tends to underpredict low clouds and optically thin clouds, highlighting the need for continued improvement in representing unresolved processes. This study provides a basis for confidence in the representation of clouds in SCREAM, as simulating mean‐state clouds is a necessary prerequisite for trusting its cloud responses to changes in aerosols and greenhouse gases.