cloud forcing

Cloud forcing is the difference between the radiation budget components for average cloud conditions and cloud-free conditions. Roughly speaking, clouds increase the albedo from 15 to 30%, which results in a reduction of absorbed solar radiation of about 50 W/m^2. This cooling is offset somewhat by the greenhouse effect of clouds which reduces the OLR by about 30 W/m^2, so the net cloud forcing of the radiation budget is a loss of about 20 W/m^2. Were the clouds to be removed with all else remaining the same, the Earth would gain this last amount in net radiation and begin to warm up.

Cloud Forcing

See also