ESS101C
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Cloud Feedback
qClouds affect both solar radiation and terrestrial (longwave)
radiation.
qTypically, clouds increase albedo è a cooling effect (negative feedback)
clouds reduce
outgoing longwave radiation è a
heating effect (positive feedback)
qThe net effect of clouds on climate depends cloud types and
their optical properties, the
insolation, and the characteristics of the underlying surface.
qIn general, high clouds tend to produce a heating (positive)
feedback. Low clouds tend to produce a
cooling (negative) feedback.
