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How do clouds influence our climate?

Archived Nerdy Forum (Weather Q&A).
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crikey
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How do clouds influence our climate?

Post by crikey »

Found this really good web site about clouds and the current trend in cloud cover since 1983

climate and clouds
http://www.climate4you.com/ClimateAndCl ... 20observed" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Interesting to note that cloud cover as decreased across the globe since 1986 and
quote" the total amount of clouds has varied from about 69 percent in 1987 to about 64 percent in 2000. "


Image

Diagram showing monthly variations in total global cloud cover since July 1983. During the period of observations, the total amount of clouds has varied from about 69 percent in 1987 to about 64 percent in 2000. The annual variation of the cloud cover follows the annual variation in atmospheric water vapour content, presumably reflecting the asymmetrical distribution of land and ocean on planet Earth. The time labels indicate day/month/year. The variation of different types of clouds can be seen in the diagram below. Data source: The International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP). The ISCCP datasets are obtained from passive measurements of IR radiation reflected and emitted by the clouds. Last data: December 2009. Last figure update: 4 September 2011.
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