authority: gcos
slug: cloud-properties
name: Cloud Properties
domain: atmosphere
subdomain: upper-air
authority_id: gcos:cloud-properties
external_ids:
  nvs_uri: null
  cf_standard_name: cloud_area_fraction
  iadopt_concepts:
    property: fraction
    entity: cloud
canonical_units: "1"
gcos_requirement_tier:
  threshold: null
  breakthrough: null
  goal: null
description: |
  Cloud cover, top height/pressure/temperature, optical thickness, phase,
  effective radius and liquid/ice water path retrieved from passive and
  active satellite sensors. A leading source of climate model uncertainty.
theme: weather
demos: []
status: documented
sources:
  - https://gcos.wmo.int/site/global-climate-observing-system-gcos/essential-climate-variables/cloud-properties