Cloud Forcing

{
  "id": "MLC-T-ENV-005321",
  "term": "Cloud Forcing",
  "field": "Environment",
  "definition": "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.",
  "references": [
    "NASA Earth Observatory Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/environment/cloud-forcing/"
}