Cloud fraction is the percentage of each
pixel in
satellite imagery
Satellite images (also Earth observation imagery, spaceborne photography, or simply satellite photo) are images of Earth collected by imaging satellites operated by governments and businesses around the world. Satellite imaging companies sell ima ...
or each gridbox in a weather or
climate model that is covered with
clouds. A cloud fraction of one means the pixel is completely covered with clouds, while a cloud fraction of zero represents a totally cloud free pixel. Cloud fraction is important for the modeling of downward radiation.
L. Chen, G. Yan, T. Wang, H. Ren, J. Calbó, J. Zhao, R. McKenzie (2012), Estimation of surface shortwave radiation components under all sky conditions: Modeling and sensitivity analysis, ''Remote Sensing of Environment'', 123: 457–469.
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References
Numerical climate and weather models
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