|
|
How do we know about clouds?
Surface observations
Surface observations are relatively inexpensive, and so there are hundreds of
observation stations around the world. A disadvantage of using surface
observations to check a model is the spatial coverage.
Stations tend to be near
populated areas, so most stations tend to be in the Northern Hemisphere (since
most of the Southern Hemisphere is ocean) in affluent countries.
Observation stations usually record
Surface observations
Surface observations are relatively inexpensive, and so there are hundreds of
observation stations around the world. A disadvantage of using surface
observations to check a model is the spatial coverage.
Stations tend to be near
populated areas, so most stations tend to be in the Northern Hemisphere (since
most of the Southern Hemisphere is ocean) in affluent countries.
Observation stations usually record
- sky condition (clear, partially cloudy, etc)
- temperature
- dew point temperature
- precipitation amount
- wind speed and direction
- pressure
