If the sky cover is one continuous layer reported at 7,500 feet MSL with a field elevation of 3,500 feet MSL, what is the cloud layer thickness?

To determine the cloud layer thickness, you start by understanding the relationship between the cloud base and the cloud top based on the provided information. The field elevation is 3,500 feet MSL (Mean Sea Level), and the cloud layer is reported as being continuous at 7,500 feet MSL.

The cloud base would be at the field elevation, which is 3,500 feet MSL, as clouds are generally measured above this base. Therefore, the thickness of the cloud layer can be calculated by subtracting the field elevation from the altitude of the cloud layer.

In this case:

• Cloud base (field elevation) = 3,500 feet MSL

• Cloud top = 7,500 feet MSL

The thickness of the cloud layer is:

Cloud thickness = Cloud top - Cloud base

Cloud thickness = 7,500 feet MSL - 3,500 feet MSL = 4,000 feet

However, since the question asks for the thickness above the field elevation, knowing that the cloud layer is continuous and has no breaks, the altitude difference directly represents the thickness. Therefore, we strictly consider the range from the cloud base at 3,500 feet MSL to the top of the layer