CLOUDS

OBJECTIVES

DLO 1. To understand
observation of clouds.

DLO 2. To study about

cloud top, cloud base, and
cloud reporting.

CLOUDS OBSERVATION

Due to their obvious relation to the energy

,the amount of water, and to the motion in
air, clouds observations are among the most
valuable types of information that can be
used.

In weather forecasting, clouds types are

determined by visual observations, the
accuracy of which depends on the
observers experience and knowledge of
clouds forming processes.

Cloud cover is obtained visually by viewing

the clouds against the dome of the sky.

CLOUDS AMOUNT
Clouds amount is reported in Oktas.
Internationally now it is reported as:
FEW
SCT
BKN
OVC

(few)
(scattered)
(broken)
(Overcast)

1-2 Okta
2-4 Okta
5-7 Okta
8/8 Okta

CLOUD BASE
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY CLOUD BASE?
Cloud

base is that portion of the cloud

which is towards the earth.

It

is reported as the distance between the

ground and the lower part of the cloud.

It

can also be observed with the help of

cloud base recorder.

CLOUD TOP
Cloud

top is that portion of the cloud which

is towards the sky.

The

most accurate information about

cloud top is usually provided by visual
observation from aircraft.

CLOUDS HEIGHT
Clouds

height is the distance between

the ground and the base of the lowest
cloud layer which creates a broken,
overcast, or obscured sky cover.

It

is named as the ceiling, a value of

great importance in aircraft operation.

CLOUD DIRECTION
Clouds

speed and direction can be

estimated visually, although more precise
measurement, are obtained by means of
sighting devices, radars or photography.
The speed and direction of motion of a cloud
can also be measured by means of a
Nephoscope.
Clouds movement and type can also be
observed by help of different satellites based
cloud pictures.
IO cyclone Nov 98