Which type of satellite imagery is primarily used to monitor cloud cover and type?

Visible satellite imagery is primarily used to monitor cloud cover and type because it captures data based on the sunlight reflected off the Earth's surface and the atmosphere. This type of imagery allows for a clear view of clouds in various forms including cumulus, stratus, and cirrus, as well as distinguishing between different cloud types based on their brightness and texture. It provides imagery in natural color, making it easier to identify cloud formations during daytime.

Other forms of satellite imagery, such as infrared, serve different purposes. For instance, infrared imagery detects thermal energy rather than visible light and is useful for determining cloud heights and temperatures, particularly at night or in cloudy conditions when visible light is not adequate. Radial satellite imagery is not a standard term used in meteorology, and thus does not specifically pertain to monitoring cloud cover. Microwave satellite imagery has specialized applications, such as measuring precipitation and atmospheric moisture, but it is not primarily utilized for visual cloud analysis.