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Diurnal Cloud Types and Meteorological Correlations in Thasala, Nakhon Si Thammarat
Organization(s):Thailand Citizen Science
Country:Thailand
Student(s):Jessica Corbett, Porpiang rattana, Primya Rungrojrattakul, Chaynarin Pleeknoo, Pornpat Pitakburapa, Natchanon cherngsawat, Pakin kaewpat, Fadinalfadel Hemman, Pimchanok kosolkul, Kittidej Soontorntammakul, Yanisa Wattanapradit
Grade Level:Upper Primary (grades 3-5, ages 8-11)
GLOBE Member(s):Assoc. Prof. Dr. Krisanadej Jaroensutasinee Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mullica Jaroensutasinee
Contributors:Mr.Suphon Tomsaeng
Report Type(s):Virtual Science Symposium Report
Protocols:Air Temperature, Clouds, Relative Humidity, Wind
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Language(s):English
Date Submitted:2026-01-19
This study investigates the relationships between key meteorological variables—air temperature, relative humidity, and wind speed—and cloud characteristics, including cloud type and percentage of cloud cover (% Cloud Cover), based on hourly observations during 16–17 January 2026. Meteorological data were obtained from instrumental measurements, while cloud type classification and cloud cover estimates were derived from direct field observations using the GLOBE Observer application.
The results show that air temperature strongly influences cloud type and structure. Higher temperatures favor the formation of convective cloud types, predominantly Cumulus, which are associated with moderate cloud cover and localized vertical development. In contrast, lower temperatures are associated with stratiform cloud types such as Stratocumulus and Altocumulus, which are characterized by higher cloud cover and extensive horizontal spreading. Relative humidity plays a critical role in cloud extent: high humidity supports widespread stratiform cloud cover, while moderate humidity favors convective cloud development and higher clear-sky fractions. Wind speed further modulates cloud characteristics, as low wind speeds promote extensive layered clouds, whereas higher wind speeds enhance atmospheric mixing and convective cloud formation.
Overall, the findings demonstrate that cloud type and cloud cover are governed by the combined effects of temperature, humidity, and wind speed, underscoring the importance of integrated meteorological and observational analyses of clouds for understanding local-scale atmospheric processes.