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Cloud cover refers to the extent to which the sky is obscured by clouds at a given time and location. It is a dynamic and variable aspect of Earth’s atmosphere that plays a crucial role in shaping weather patterns, influencing climate, and affecting the planet’s energy balance.
Clouds form when moist air rises, cools, and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. The types of clouds that form depend on altitude, temperature, and humidity levels. Common cloud types include cumulus clouds, which are fluffy and white, stratus clouds that form in layers and appear gray, and cirrus clouds, high-altitude wispy clouds that often signal changing weather.
Cloud cover is not uniform across the world; it exhibits significant variability due to a multitude of factors, such as atmospheric circulation, humidity, and local geography. Some regions experience persistent cloud cover, while others frequently enjoy clear, cloudless skies. The distribution of cloud cover is influenced by geographical features, prevailing winds, and ocean currents.
Johannes Kroeger created a map that shows the average cloud cover around the world last year. It shows the medium cloud cover experienced at every location on the planet based on information taken from daily high-resolution satellite images.
The map created by Johannes Kroeger confirms the fact that clouds cover two-thirds (67%) of the Earth’s surface. Over the oceans, it was estimated that less than 10% of the sky is completely clear of clouds at any one time, rising to 30% over land.
Countries that experience minimal cloud cover throughout the year are often located in regions with dry and arid climates or in areas where atmospheric conditions are less conducive to cloud formation. Countries known for their clear skies and low cloud cover are Egypt, Chile, United Arab Emirates, Namibia, Peru, Bolivia, Saudi Arabia, Australia.
Climate change can have an impact on cloud cover patterns. As the atmosphere warms due to increasing greenhouse gas concentrations, it can affect cloud formation and distribution.
Cloud cover changes are not uniform globally. Some regions might experience increases in cloud cover, while others might see decreases. This variability can be influenced by regional climate patterns, oceanic currents, and atmospheric circulation.
Despite that cloud cover changes can be challenging to quantify due to natural variability, observational limitations, and complex interactions with other climate factors, some analysis of satellite data over the past decade shows that cloud tops are reaching higher into the atmosphere and that cloudy storm tracks are shifting toward Earth’s poles.
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