Cloud Cover
Geography: KS3, topic 5.1.5
Cloud Cover
Cloud cover is another type of weather data recorded by meteorologists.
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.
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.
Categorising clouds
- Clouds are categorised according to:
- Their height.
- Their shape.
- Whether they bring rain.
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.
Other cloud types are:
- Cirrostratus (Cs)
- Cirrocumulus (Cc)
- Cumulonimbus (Cb) - the classic ‘anvil shaped’ thunderstorm cloud
- Altocumulus (Ac)
- Altostratus (As)
- Nimbostratus(Ns)
- Stratocumulus (Sc)
Nimbus clouds
- Nimbus clouds are the clouds that bring rain.
Test yourself on Cloud Cover
What unit is cloud cover measured in?
What is NOT a way clouds are categorised?
Which type of clouds bring rain?