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Information About

Cloud Height





MEASUREMENT


Cloud height is not measured directly, but derived from separate measurements of cloud base and cloud top altitudes.


WEATHER AND CLIMATE RELEVANCE


Cloud height is often related to the intensity of precipitation generated by a cloud: deeper clouds tend to produce more intense rainfall. For instance, Cumulonimbus Cloud s can develop vertically through a substantial part of the Troposphere and often result in Thunderstorm s with Lightning and heavy showers. By contrast, very thin clouds (such as cirrus clouds) do not generate any precipitation at the surface.

For a synthetic discussion of the impact of clouds on the climate system, see the IPCC Third Assessment Report , in particular chapter 7.2.


SEE ALSO




REFERENCES


  • Huschke, Ralph E. (1959) ''Glossary of Meteorology'', American Meteorological Society, Boston, Second printing-1970.