ESS11
Prof. Jin-Yi Yu
Cloud Role In Climate Change
qCloud effects is one of
the most uncertain parts of climate prediction.
qTypically, clouds increase albedo è a cooling effect
q clouds reduce longwave radiation è a heating effect
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.
(from
The Earth System)