Aircraft Measurements of Albedo and Absorption of Stratus Clouds, and Surface Albedos

Abstract

Aircraft measurements of the albedo of stratus clouds were made, with the results suggesting, on occasion, that the liquid water content of the cloud has a stronger influence than the cloud thickness on the albedo. The mean cloud absorption was found to be 4% of the incident downward flux. Albedos of other surfaces (ocean, forest, grass, desert, snow and ice) generally agreed with measurements by other authors.