theweatherprediction.com
[--MAIN HOME--] [--ALL HABYHINTS--] [--FACEBOOK PAGE--]

CLOUD ALBEDO EFFECT

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.