Changes

[[Image:Image050 cosmic clouds.jpg|right|thumb|Correlation between [[cosmic rays]] and [[cloud cover]]]]

[[Image:Image050 cosmic clouds.jpg|right|thumb|Correlation between [[cosmic rays]] and '''cloud cover''']]

'''Cloud cover''' is a sorely neglected factor in debates over [[global warming]].  

'''Cloud cover''' is a sorely neglected factor in debates over [[global warming]].  

[[Cosmic rays]] from space influence the Earth’s climate by affecting cloud formation in the lower atmosphere. <ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,220341,00.html]</ref> In fact, cosmic rays and cloud cover are so closely correlated as to suggest a [[cause and effect]] relationship.

[[Cosmic rays]] from space influence the Earth’s climate by affecting cloud formation in the lower atmosphere.<ref>[http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,220341,00.html]</ref> In fact, cosmic rays and cloud cover are so closely correlated as to suggest a [[cause and effect]] relationship.

* ... most scientists believe that an increase in low cloud cover may cause a net cooling in the atmosphere because of an increased [[albedo]], while an increase in high clouds may cause the atmosphere to warm, as high clouds act as a "blanket" and reflect [[infrared radiation]] back to the earth. <ref>[http://global-warming.accuweather.com/2008/11/cloud_cover_and_its_role_in_cl.html]</ref>

* ... most scientists believe that an increase in low cloud cover may cause a net cooling in the atmosphere because of an increased [[albedo]], while an increase in high clouds may cause the atmosphere to warm, as high clouds act as a "blanket" and reflect [[infrared radiation]] back to the earth.<ref>[http://global-warming.accuweather.com/2008/11/cloud_cover_and_its_role_in_cl.html]</ref>

[[Richard Lindzen]] wrote:

[[Richard Lindzen]] wrote:

:Cloud cover in [[climate model|model]]s is poorly treated and inaccurately predicted. Yet clouds reflect about seventy-five watts per square meter. Given that a doubling of [[carbon dioxide]] would change the [[surface heat flux]] by only two watts per square meter, it is evident that a small change in cloud cover can strongly affect the response to carbon dioxide. ... the effects of clouds in reflecting light and in enhancing the [[greenhouse effect]] are roughly in balance. <ref>[http://www.cato.org/pubs/regulation/regv15n2/reg15n2g.html]</ref>

:Cloud cover in [[climate model|model]]s is poorly treated and inaccurately predicted. Yet clouds reflect about seventy-five watts per square meter. Given that a doubling of [[carbon dioxide]] would change the [[surface heat flux]] by only two watts per square meter, it is evident that a small change in cloud cover can strongly affect the response to carbon dioxide. ... the effects of clouds in reflecting light and in enhancing the [[greenhouse effect]] are roughly in balance.<ref>[http://www.cato.org/pubs/regulation/regv15n2/reg15n2g.html]</ref>

==See also==

==See also==

[[Category:Meteorology]]

[[Category:Meteorology]]

[[Category : Gardening Glossary]]

[[Category:Gardening Glossary]]

[[Category : Solar Energy]]

[[Category:Solar Energy]]