Clouds have both a warming and a cooling influence on the surface temperature of the Earth. Explain how clouds act to cool the surface temperature. Explain how clouds act to warm the surface temperature. As climate changes, the amount of cloud cover will likely change as well. The overall effect on the Earth’s surface temperature due to changes in cloud cover depends on the type of cloud. Here we compare two types of clouds: high, cold clouds and low, warm clouds. The table below describes the radiation properties of each cloud type compared to clear sky conditions. An increase of which type of cloud would most likely lead to higher surface temperatures? Explain. (Hint. The surface temperature warms by absorbing radiation from the sun. Which type of cloud causes the most cooling compared to clear skies? The surface temperature cools by emitting infrared radiation to outer space. Which cloud type causes the most warming compared to clear skies? Or in other words, which cloud type most reduces the amount of radiation energy that is emitted from the Earth to outer space, which in turn means more radiation energy stays in the climate system and less escapes out?) Cloud Type Change in absorbed solar radiation energy by ground surface due to different cloud types Change in infrared radiation energy emitted to outer space caused by different cloud types High, cold clouds 30% less compared to clear sky conditions 70% less compared to clear sky conditions Low, warm clouds 85% less compared to clear sky conditions 10% less compared to clear sky conditions
Clouds have both a warming and a cooling influence on the surface temperature of the Earth. Explain how clouds act to cool the surface temperature. Explain how clouds act to warm the surface temperature. As climate changes, the amount of cloud cover will likely change as well. The overall effect on the Earth’s surface temperature due to changes in cloud cover depends on the type of cloud. Here we compare two types of clouds: high, cold clouds and low, warm clouds. The table below describes the radiation properties of each cloud type compared to clear sky conditions. An increase of which type of cloud would most likely lead to higher surface temperatures? Explain. (Hint. The surface temperature warms by absorbing radiation from the sun. Which type of cloud causes the most cooling compared to clear skies? The surface temperature cools by emitting infrared radiation to outer space. Which cloud type causes the most warming compared to clear skies? Or in other words, which cloud type most reduces the amount of radiation energy that is emitted from the Earth to outer space, which in turn means more radiation energy stays in the climate system and less escapes out?)
|
Cloud Type |
Change in absorbed solar radiation energy by ground surface due to different cloud types |
Change in infrared radiation energy emitted to outer space caused by different cloud types |
|
High, cold clouds |
30% less compared to clear sky conditions |
70% less compared to clear sky conditions |
|
Low, warm clouds |
85% less compared to clear sky conditions |
10% less compared to clear sky conditions |
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