Investigating the Spatial Variations of Cloud Cover Properties Over Iraq

Abstract

Clouds are collections of water droplets, ice crystals, or combinations of the two, suspended in the atmosphere. This work aims to study the spatial monthly variations of cloud parameters such as cloud base height, cloud types of high, medium, and low, and total cloud cover over Iraq using European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts ERA5 data for the period 2010-2019. Findings show that maximum cloud base height occurred over southern Iraq in May and reached more than 6.5 km, while minimum cloud base height occurred over northern Iraq in January and reached less than 2.5 km. Higher high, medium, low and total cloud cover occurred in the northern region, reaching 0.35, 0.3, 0.45 and 0.6 respectively. Also, the results indicate that no cloud activities are occurring over all regions of Iraq from high, medium, and total clouds in the months of June-September, and low clouds in the months of May-October. The results of this paper can help policymakers to invest in continuous monitoring and research of cloud properties in improving forecasting accuracy, supporting water and energy management, strengthening climate resilience planning, and ultimately contributing to sustainable development.