What is the primary limitation of laser ceilometers?

The primary limitation of laser ceilometers is their limited range of measurement. Laser ceilometers are designed to measure cloud height and can provide accurate readings only within a specific distance. Their effectiveness diminishes as the distance to the cloud layer increases, making them less suitable for assessing high-altitude clouds or very distant cloud formations. This limitation can affect the overall analysis of atmospheric conditions since crucial information about higher cloud layers may be missed.

In contrast, other methods of measuring cloud cover or height, such as radar systems, can provide reliable data over a broader scope. While the factors noted in the other options may present challenges in certain contexts—such as interpreting data or costs—these do not fundamentally limit the primary capability of a ceilometer in the same way that range does.