METEOROLOGIST JEFF HABY
The cloud albedo effect is an interesting case study since it shows examples of positive and negative feedback. In the end, the cloud albedo effect
is a negative feedback mechanism. The cloud albedo effect begins with global temperature increasing. There is an exponential relationship between
temperature and the amount of moisture that can be in the air. With an increasing temperature there is the capacity to evaporate more moisture
into the air. Water vapor is a greenhouse gas. The increase of moisture in the air helps the temperature increase further. With more moisture
in the air though, cloud development is more likely. Here is where the negative feedback kicks in. More cloud cover contributes to an increased
reflection of solar radiation back into space off the clouds. Since less solar energy is able to warm the surface, this can contribute to
cooler temperatures or at least offsets some of the warming from the increase of water vapor in the air. Eventually,
a new equilibrium is achieved.
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