Main cloud base
The cloud ceiling (Engl. Ceiling ) is a meteorological term that in the aviation takes special attention. It describes the height (above ground or water) of the lower limit of the lowest cloud layer , which covers more than half the sky and is below 20,000 ft AGL (6,000 meters above ground). The specification is made internationally in ft AGL (above ground level). In general meteorology, instead of the main cloud base , the differently defined term cloud base is used, which forms the basis for the information in the aviation weather service. Since the cloud cover is measured in eighths in meteorology , the professional term for more than half is actually more than 4/8 .
The main cloud base is especially important for visual air traffic. The limit of 6000 meters excludes cirrus as they are of no relevance for air traffic.
Reports of the main cloud base are published in abbreviated form as standardized reports in the METAR report for the respective airfields. It will be corrected in the event of an unforeseen change ( AMD corrected TAF ).
Web links
- METAR from more than 4000 airports on allemetsat.com
Individual evidence
- ↑ a b cloud base , austrocontrol.at → Wetterlexikon
- ↑ a b main cloud base , entry wetter.at → weather dictionary .