Cloud albedo

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Cloud albedo is a measure of the reflectivity of a cloud - higher values mean that the cloud can reflect more solar radiation.

Cloud albedo varies from less than 10% to more than 90% and depends on drop sizes, liquid water or ice content, thickness of the cloud, and the sun's zenith angle. The smaller the drops and the greater the liquid water content, the greater the cloud albedo, if all other factors are the same.

Low, thick clouds (such as Stratocumulus) primarily reflect incoming solar radiation, whereas high, thin clouds (such as Cirrus) tend to transmit it to the surface but then trap outgoing infrared radiation, contributing to the greenhouse effect.[1]

Main article: Albedo

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