Nature 341, 132 - 134 (14 September 1989); doi:10.1038/341132a0

C0₂ and climate: a missing feedback?

J. F. B. Mitchell, C. A. Senior & W. J. Ingram

Meteorological Office, London Road, Bracknell RG12 2SZ, UK

THE potential of changes in cloud properties to modulate climate perturbations is well known^1,2. Changes in cloud amount and cloud height³, cloud radiative properties^4–6 and cloud condensation nuclei⁷ (CCN) have all been recognized as possible sources of climate feedbacks. Here we report results of simulations that indicate that the changes of state of cloud water may provide a substantial negative feedback on climate. The feedback is concen-trated in mid-latitudes and affects both the magnitude and distribu-tion of the climate change expected from increases in 'greenhouse' gases. Improved measurements and parameterizations of cloud processes are needed to quantify this process.

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