CLOUDS

The observation of clouds involves cloud amount, cloud type and cloud height.

The most common way to make cloud observations, is to use a laser ceilometer. Manufacturers are Vaisala, Climatronics, MTECH and Eliasson.

For recognition of the cloud type most the human observer is still considered to be the most reliable source.

At present there are also various microwave techniques visual camera (Yankee Environmental Systems) and infra red camera techniques (Valcom) being developed. These will probably be combined with the ceilometer and satellite techniques to try and reach the same level of observational accuracy as the human observer.

No commercial manufacturers of Lidar and microwave cloud observation instruments is known to us. Suggestions are most welcome.

Current cloud cover western Europe