Cloud albedo

Generally, increased cloud cover correlates to a higher albedo and a lower absorption of solar energy.

[3] Thick clouds reflect a large amount of incoming solar radiation, translating to a high albedo.

[1] The size, concentration, structure, and chemical composition of these particles influence cloud albedo.

Water content taking the form of ice is common in high altitude clouds such as cirrus.

[6] In the general and more influential cases however, decreased particle size makes clouds possess higher albedos by having a larger surface areas relative to their volumes.

This subsequently increases cloud albedo as solar radiation is reflected over a longer period of time.

Absorption of solar radiation by plane-parallel clouds decreases with increasing zenith angle because radiation that is reflected to space at the higher zenith angles penetrates less deeply into the cloud and is therefore less likely to be absorbed.

The Earth Radiation Budget Experiment demonstrated that small variations in cloud coverage, structure, altitude, droplet size, and phase have significant effects on the climate.

A five percent increase in short-wave reflection from clouds would counteract the greenhouse effect of the past two-hundred years.

A counteracting positive feedback loop considers the rising of the high cloud layer, reduction in the vertical distribution of cloudiness, and decreased albedo.