Albedo and clouds

Albedo definition

measure of reflectivity of a surface, specifically the fraction of sunlight that is reflected back into space. From 0-1

difference between reflection and absorption

Reflection is the bouncing back of light from a surface (1) absorption is the process where light energy is taken up by a material (0)

re-radiation

previously absorbed energy, especially in the form of heat (longwave, infrared radiation), is emitted or radiated back into the environment

break down of what is happening to the incoming radiation

if A clear sky more or less radiation

More

No other things to block or absorb or reflect the radiation

if Clouds high in the sky more or less radiation

More

Clouds are more wispy, and it is more scattered. Hence, it cannot absorb that much radiation

Stratocumulus clouds

Less

thinker, blocking and absorbing the radiation

Clouds low in the sky

Less

Clouds are thicker, hence it can absorb a lot of radiation

Nimbostratus

More

Thin and scattered, hence it is not able to absorb a lot of radiation

Cirrus

More

Thin and scattered, hence it is not able to absorb a lot of radiation

Angle of the sun is low

Less

angle of the sun is less direct, have to pass through more atmosphere