But that formula largely neglects clouds, which exert a major climatic influence. "Clouds cause warming and cooling on Earth," said study author Dorian Abbot, from the University of Chicago. "They reflect sunlight to cool things off, and they absorb infrared radiation from the surface to make a gre
"Clouds cause warming and cooling on Earth," said study author Dorian Abbot, from the University of Chicago. "They reflect sunlight to cool things off, and they absorb infrared radiation from the surface to make a greenhouse effect. That's part of what keeps the planet warm enough to sustain life."