What to Observe and Record
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The S'COOL 1-page report form.
Time
We need the exact time of the observation, even if it does not exactly coincide
with the satellite overpass. This must be reported in both local and
Universal Time (UT) to provide a uniform
time reference for the observations. To convert your local time to UT, see
this worksheet.
Cloud Observations
The cloud properties we are seeking are
See an example from the initial S'COOL pilot test.
Do not miss the questions on
contrails at the top of the form.
You should only report cloud properties for levels you actually
observe. If there are no clouds in a layer, leave that layer blank.
If there is a completely overcast low layer that you cannot see through,
leave the other two layers blank.
Note: When recording cloud type we would like you to determine which is the
most prevalent cloud type for each level observed. Use the comments section
to record that other cloud types were also present, if any.
You say you're not completely sure whether that's stratus or stratocumulus?
Then read this discussion of how
accurate you need to be. You may also want to use a
Dichotomous
Key for Cloud Identification [PDF] (developed by Dr. Tina Cartwright).
Ground Observations
We also ask for some information about the surface
conditions where you made the observation: surface cover, temperature,
pressure, and relative humidity.
Only the surface cover information is required. You can submit any or all of
the other surface measurements (temperature, pressure, relative humidity), according to what instruments you
may have available.
A helpful site with information on units and
conversions for these measurements can be found at
http://www.srh.noaaa.gov/elp/wxcalc/wxcalc.html
Comments
This is to record anything unusual, or anything you are unsure about.
Some suggestions are: if there is more than one type of cloud at a single
level record the other types here; or if there is significant haze present.
