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I learned a couple years ago that in most climate models clouds aren't included or aren't accurately modeled because they are too complex. https://www.carbonbri
by interactivecode 5y ago
I learned a couple years ago that in most climate models clouds aren't included or aren't accurately modeled because they are too complex. https://www.carbonbrief.org/cooling-effect-of-clouds-underestimated-by-climate-models-says-new-study https://www.carbonbrief.org/cooling-effect-of-clouds-underes...
Clouds impact weather and climate a lot. like really a lot
- aeroman 5y agoThis isn't the case - I am not aware of any CMIP6 model (the latest generation used in the current IPCC report) that doesn't include clouds. Clouds are definitely complicated, as they are smaller than a typical model gridbox. This means that there are lots of uncertainties about how to include them in climate models. Their response to a changing climate is one of the leading uncertainties in our understanding of past and future climate. As you say, it would be difficult to simulate the climate if you didn't include clouds, and so models absolutely include them.
- loopz 5y agoWith warming, cloud cover go down, even with much more water-vapor in the air. So is more like a net contributor to warming rather than a breaker.