MLchartDataset catalogue

Cloud radiative forcing

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-004441

The net effect of clouds on the Earth's energy balance, determined by their ability to reflect incoming solar radiation (cooling effect) and trap outgoing terrestrial radiation (warming effect). This forcing varies significantly with cloud type, altitude, and optical properties. It represents a major uncertainty in climate change projections.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-004441
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
See alsoRadiative forcing
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-004441",
  "term": "Cloud radiative forcing",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The net effect of clouds on the Earth's energy balance, determined by their ability to reflect incoming solar radiation (cooling effect) and trap outgoing terrestrial radiation (warming effect). This forcing varies significantly with cloud type, altitude, and optical properties. It represents a major uncertainty in climate change projections.",
  "see_also": [
    "radiative forcing"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/cloud-radiative-forcing/"
}

Record 1,862 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.