Clouds are a collection of super-cooled water and ice crystals. As light shines towards clouds, a percentage is reflected by the water/ice. Yet some light and UV radiation still slips through.
Particles in the clouds reflect light in all directions
reflect sunlight
reflect sunlight
The white top of clouds will reflect much of the sun's ray back into space.
The white top of clouds will reflect much of the sun's ray back into space.
Clouds can reflect some light back to space depending on the water content in the clouds. The water causes a prism which reflects light back into space.
Clouds have high albedos.
Clouds can reflect some light back to space depending on the water content in the clouds. The water causes a prism which reflects light back into space.
White or light coloured surfaces, of which a cloud is an example, reflects sunlight, while dark surfaces absorb sunlight and heats up.
The pattern of precipitation and low altitude clouds, which are thick and reflect more sunlight
Yes, everything has albedo. Albedo refers to the reflectivity of any object or substance. White clouds have a high albedo - they reflect a lot of light. Dark clouds have a lower albedo; they don't reflect as much.
They reflect sunlight back into space rather than reaching the ground and heating it up.