Ceilometer data is used in METAR and aviation forecasts to determine what?

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Multiple Choice

Ceilometer data is used in METAR and aviation forecasts to determine what?

Explanation:
Ceilometer data is used to determine cloud base height and the ceiling. A ceilometer emits a laser pulse upward and measures the backscatter from cloud layers to pinpoint where the lowest cloud base begins, reporting that height as the ceiling (in feet above ground level). This information is critical for METARs and aviation forecasts because the cloud ceiling directly affects flight operations, approach minima, and overall visibility considerations. It isn’t used to determine precipitation type, wind shear, or temperature, which rely on other instruments and methods.

Ceilometer data is used to determine cloud base height and the ceiling. A ceilometer emits a laser pulse upward and measures the backscatter from cloud layers to pinpoint where the lowest cloud base begins, reporting that height as the ceiling (in feet above ground level). This information is critical for METARs and aviation forecasts because the cloud ceiling directly affects flight operations, approach minima, and overall visibility considerations. It isn’t used to determine precipitation type, wind shear, or temperature, which rely on other instruments and methods.

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