Instantaneous radiative forcing due to aerosol–cloud interactions (Q715)
Subject, term, tag: Instantaneous radiative forcing due to aerosol–cloud interactions
- Instantaneous radiative forcing (or effect) due to aerosol–cloud interactions (IRFaci)
| Language | Label | Description | Also known as |
|---|---|---|---|
| English | Instantaneous radiative forcing due to aerosol–cloud interactions |
Subject, term, tag: Instantaneous radiative forcing due to aerosol–cloud interactions |
|
Statements
IPCC Glossary v1.5
1 reference
27 May 2026
The radiative forcing (or radiative effect, if the perturbation is internally generated) due to the change in number or size distribution of cloud droplets or ice crystals that is the proximate result of an aerosol perturbation, with other variables (in particular total cloud water content) remaining equal. In liquid clouds, an increase in cloud droplet concentration and surface area would increase the cloud albedo. This effect is also known as the cloud albedo effect, first indirect effect, or Twomey effect. It is a largely theoretical concept that cannot readily be isolated in observations or comprehensive process models due to the ubiquity of adjustments. (English)
IPCC Glossary v1.5
1 reference
27 May 2026