5.1.5

Cloud Cover

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Cloud Cover

Cloud cover is another type of weather data recorded by meteorologists.

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Measuring cloud cover

  • Cloud cover is the fraction of the sky obscured by clouds at a particular location.
    • It is measured in oktas or eighths of the sky covered.
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Differences in cloud cover

  • The amount of cloud cover links directly to the number of sunshine hours.
    • One of the cloudiest places on Earth is a narrow strip near the equator where the tropical rainforests are located.
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Categorising clouds

  • Clouds are categorised according to:
    • Their height.
    • Their shape.
    • Whether they bring rain.
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Cloud types

  • There are four cloud types based on height:
    • Cirrus (Ci) - a high-level cloud.
    • Alto (Al) - a mid-level cloud.
    • Cumulus (Cu) - a low-level cloud.
    • Stratus (St) - a low-level cloud in layers.
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Other cloud types are:

  • Cirrostratus (Cs)
  • Cirrocumulus (Cc)
  • Cumulonimbus (Cb) - the classic ‘anvil shaped’ thunderstorm cloud
  • Altocumulus (Ac)
  • Altostratus (As)
  • Nimbostratus(Ns)
  • Stratocumulus (Sc)
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Nimbus clouds

  • Nimbus clouds are the clouds that bring rain.

Jump to other topics

1Geography Skills

2Geology of the UK

3Geography of the World

4Development

5Weather & Climate

6The World of Work

7Natural Resources

8Rivers

9Coasts

10Glaciers

11Tectonics

12Climate Change

13Global Population & Inequality

14Urbanisation

15Ecosystems

16Life in an Emerging Country

17Analysis of Africa

18Analysis of India

19Analysis of the Middle East

20Analysis of Bangladesh

21Analysis of Russia

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