Cloud Cover and Climate

Mechanisms of Cloud Formation

Low clouds tend to reflect heat back into space and would therefore cool the earth. High clouds act as greenhouse gasses and reflect heat back to the earth, thereby warming the climate.

Depending on the model, different climate programs predict either a drop in global warming or an increase in forcing factors. The differences largely depend on whether low or high clouds are favored by present increases in global temperature

Percent change in high cloud cover. These data suggest that high cloud formation is being forced by climate change

High-altitude contrails also force global warming. MORE ON CONTRAILS

Contrail coverage. MORE ON CONTRAILS

Changes in contrail coverage. MORE ON CONTRAILS