Cloud Protocols

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Cloud Protocols
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Goals for the Training Session

• Provide an inquiry context for the data
  collection and science content
• Provide accurate science content
• Review procedures for data collection
• Review data entry and analysis
• Discuss classroom implementation ideas
• Collect feedback from participants

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Inquiry Context

• Does cloud cover affect surface temperature and
  surface air temperature?
• What is the relationship between clouds and
  precipitation?
• Is there a relationship between contrails and
  cloud cover?

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Local Inquiry Example
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Why do GLOBE scientists research clouds?

• To better calculate the rate of heat exchange in
  the atmosphere
• For verification and improvement of automated
  remote sensing
• To understand how cloud climatology may be
  changing
• To help improve interpretation of satellite
  observations of Earths radiative balance
• To provide ground-based data on contrails

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Science Content The Cloud Triangle

• Clouds can be defined by
• Their shape form
• The cloud base altitude
• If they are precipitating

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Science Content Cloud Shape

• The 3 main cloud shapes are

Cumulus (Puffy)
Stratus (Layered)
Cirrus (Wispy)
Altitude and shape are keys to identifying clouds.
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Science Content High Clouds
Cirrus
Cirrocumulus
Cirrostratus
High-level clouds
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Science Content Middle Clouds
Altocumulus
Altostratus
Mid-level clouds
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Science Content Low Clouds
Low-level clouds
Stratus
Cumulus
Stratocumulus
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Science Content Low Clouds with precipitation
Low-level clouds
Nimbostratus
Cumulonimbus
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Science Content Contrail Types
Short-lived
Persistent Non-spreading
Persistent Spreading
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Science Content Estimating Percentages

• Cloud Cover

No Clouds 0
Clear 0 - 10
Isolated10 - 25
Scattered25 - 50
Broken50 - 90
Overcastgt90
Contrail Cover
No Contrails 0
0-10
10-25
25-50
gt50
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The Measurements

• Cloud Type
• Contrail Type
• Percentage of Cloud Cover
• Percentage of Contrail Cover

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Collecting Data Field/Lab Guides Data Sheets

• Field/Lab Guides
• Cloud Cover and Contrail Cover Protocol Field
  Guide
• Cloud Type and Contrail Type Protocol Field Guide
• Data Sheets
• Use one of the following
• Clouds 1-Measurement Data Sheet
• Clouds 7-Measurement Data Sheet
• Integrated 1-Day Data Sheet
• Integrated 7-Day Data Sheet

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Collecting Data Protocol

• Look at the sky in every direction
• Estimate and record the of coverage by clouds
  contrails
• Identify and record the number of each type of
  contrail

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Collecting Data Procedures

• Blowing Snow
• Heavy Snow
• Heavy Rain
• Fog
• Spray
• Volcanic Ash
• Smoke
• Dust
• Sand
• Haze

• Listed are examples of obscuring conditions
• If more than one-fourth of the sky is obscured,
  record and report the reason on the data sheet.

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Enter Data on the GLOBE Web Site
Step 1 Confirm that the atmospheric
study site definition is completed Step 2 Select
Cloud Observations from the
atmosphere data entry menu Step 3 Enter date/UT
time/select site Step 4 Enter cloud observation
data Step 5 Confirm data entries on
verification page
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Looking at the Data Contrail Type
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Classroom Implementation

• Inquiry
• Curriculum/Standards Alignment
• Assessment
• Classroom Management

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Getting Started

• The GLOBE Web site has information
• http//www.globe.gov
• GLOBE Help Desk or your Country Coordinator can
  support you as you get started.
• Get your students involved doing real science!