User:Rhea RK/sandbox

Article Evaluation

Evaluating Content:

The current article provides a sufficient and relevant starting point for a comprehensive article on cloud albedo. It covers the basic knowledge of what cloud albedo is and the effects of various environmental processes on the percent of cloud albedo. The article touches on the subject of the Earth's energy budget as well, however, this is an area for potential re-editing. From what we learned in class, there is a significant connection between cloud albedo and the surface temperature of a planet something that can be expanded on considering the current focus on climate change and global warming. Additionally, although, the article references other Wikipedia articles, I believe there needs to be an introduction to these separate concepts to highlight the relationship of one concept (i.e. albedo, solar zenith angle) to another (i.e. cloud albedo).

In terms of structure and presentation, I think the article can be re-structured to be written more clearly, smoothly, and professionally. In my opinion, the article doesn't transition well from one idea to another.

Evaluating Tone:

The article is neutral and only focuses on the facts. There is no viewpoint underrepresented or overrepresented. However, there are some related concepts that need more detail/information.

Evaluating Sources:

Most of the links/sources work, are relevant to the article, and were recently published. The majority of facts are referenced to one of the sources. Although these sources are neutral, some sources do not seem to be reliable and appropriate sources of information. Three to four sources seem to be information compiled by laymen such as a blog/personal website and PowerPoint presentation.

Evaluating Talk Page:

There is no discussion on the talk page. The article is within the scope of WikiProject Meteorology. It has a Stub-Class rating and is of Mid-Importance.

Cloud Albedo Article Draft

Cloud albedo is a measure of the reflectivity of a cloud. Clouds regulate the amount of solar radiation absorbed by a planet and its solar surface irradiance. Generally, increased cloud cover has a higher albedo and a lower absorption of solar energy. Clouds contribute approximately half of Earth's albedo. Changes in cloud albedo caused by variations in cloud properties have a significant effect on global climate.

Cloud Condensation Nuclei and Cloud Albedo

On a microscopic scale, clouds are formed through the condensation of water on cloud condensation nuclei, such as pollution and aerosol particles. The size, concentration, structure, and chemical composition of these particles influence cloud albedo. Smaller particles form smaller cloud droplets, which tend to decrease precipitation efficiency of a cloud, increasing cloud albedo. For example, black carbon aerosol particles absorb more solar radiation whereas sulfate aerosol reflects more solar radiation. Additionally, increased particles increases the size of a cloud and the reflected solar radiation.

Influence on Global Climate

Cloud albedo indirectly affects global climate through solar radiation scattering and absorption in Earth's radiation budget. These effects are parameterized by cloud radiative forcing, a measure of short-wave and long-wave radiation in relation to cloud cover. 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.

Air pollution can result in variation in cloud condensation nuclei, creating a feedback loop that influences atmospheric temperature, relative humility, and cloud formation. These variations in cloud albedo cause atmospheric instability that influences the hydrological cycle, weather patterns, and atmospheric circulation.