Cloud Cover Statistics

Abstract

Cloud height data has been collected for 4 years over the CONUS and one year globally using the multi-spectral infrared sensors GOES/VAS and NOAA/ HIRS. The analysis technique distinguished partially transmissive cirrus from other cloud forms. Cirrus were commonly found from 13 to 40% of the time over the CONUS. Seasonal and diurnal variations were small over the CONUS. More significant seasonal variations were found over the oceans from the movement of the subtropical high pressure systems and cyclonic storms and fronts in high latitudes. One half of the cirrus was associated with radar echoes in the summer while the other half was not. In winter only 22% of the cirrus were associated with radar echoes because of the lack of echo activity. Cirrus were slightly more numerous in winter than in summer. One half of the cirrus detected over the CONUS in January also was associated with jet streams. In summer this reduced to 10 to 30% because of weaker upper air winds.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1990
Accession Number
ADA226892

Entities

People

  • Donald P. Wylie

Organizations

  • University of Wisconsin–Madison

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Space

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Air Force
  • Artificial Satellites
  • Cirrus Clouds
  • Cloud Cover
  • Clouds
  • Diurnal Variations
  • Grids
  • High Latitudes
  • High Pressure
  • Jet Streams
  • Latitude
  • North America
  • Seasonal Variations
  • Space Sciences
  • Statistics
  • United States
  • Wind

Fields of Study

  • Environmental science

Readers

  • Atmospheric Remote Sensing.
  • Atmospheric Science/Meteorology