Summary
Prevailing cloud types and their daily, annual and interannual variation in the region of Athens were examined. These cloud types were grouped into five major classes: cumuliform, stratiform, cirriform, medium altitude clouds and no cloud class, referred to in the study as clear skies. The results are expressed as frequency of occurrence of different cloud classes.
It is found that clear skies and prevailing cumuliform clouds both have summer maxima. Stratiform and medium altitude clouds have winter maxima, while cirriform clouds exhibit a semiannual variation, with maxima in May and October.
In terms of interannual trends, the tendency of stratiform clouds to prevail decreases while the tendency of cumuliform clouds to prevail increases, probably due to urban expansion and the increase in urban activity.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Furlan, D., 1977: Climates of Central and Southern Europe. World Survey of Climatology Vol 6. World Meteorologiocal Organization. Geneva: Elsevier Scientific Publishing Company.
Goodman, H. A., Henderson-Sellers, A., 1987: Cloud detection and analysis: a review of recent progress.Atmospheric Research 21, 203–228.
Hahn, J. C., Warren, S. G., London, J., 1982: Altas of Simultaneous Occurrence of Different Cloud Types over the Ocean. NCAR Tech. Note NT-201 + STR, 212 pp. (NTIS PB83-152074).
Hawrwitz, B., 1984: Insolation in relation to cloud type.J. Meteor. 5, 110–113.
Kasten, G., Czeplak, G., 1980: Solar and terrestrial radiation dependent on the amount and type of cloud.Solar Energy 24, 217–226.
Katsoulis, B., Theoharatos, G., 1985: Indications of the urban heat island in Athens, Greece.J. Climate Appl. Meteor. 24, 1296–1308.
Kimura, R., 1975: Dynamics of steady convections over heat and cool islands.J. Meteor. Soc. Japan 53, 440–457.
Warren, S. G., Hahn, J. C., London, J., 1985: Simultaneous occurrence of different cloud types.J. Climate Appl. Meteor. 24, 658–667.
Warren, S. G., Hahn, J. C., London, J., Chervin, M. R., Jenne, R. L., 1986: Global distribution of total cloud cover and cloud types amounts over land. NCAR Technical Note TN-273 + STR, Boulder, Co.
Warren, S. G., Hahn, J. C., Chervin, M. R., Jenne, L. R., 1988: Global distribution of total cloud cover and cloud type amounts over the ocean. NCAR Technical Note TN-317 + STR, Boulder, Co.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Additional information
With 10 Figures
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Sakellariou, N., Asimakopoulos, D., Varotsos, C. et al. Prevailing cloud types in Athens. Theor Appl Climatol 48, 89–100 (1993). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00864916
Received:
Revised:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00864916