Abhay Devasthale from SMHI and his colleagues studied the effects of global warming on low-level clouds and thus on ocean temperatures. The EUMETSAT case study shows that as oceans warm, marine stratocumulus clouds — low, reflective clouds that help cool the planet — are disappearing.
Here’s what they do and why it matters:
☁️ What these clouds do: Marine stratocumulus clouds act like a reflective blanket over the ocean, bouncing sunlight back into space and preventing the sea surface from heating too quickly. They’re a key part of Earth’s natural climate regulation system.
🌡️ Why it’s important: When the oceans warm, these clouds become less frequent and thinner, meaning less sunlight is reflected and more heat is absorbed. This creates a positive feedback loop — warmer oceans lead to fewer clouds, which in turn leads to faster warming.
🔬 Why it matters for science and policy: This feedback is one of the biggest uncertainties in climate modeling. Understanding and accurately simulating how cloud cover responds to ocean warming is crucial for predicting future climate change and guiding mitigation strategies.
Read the full story: EUMETSAT