Cloud Types

1. Cloud Types Chapter 11, Section 3

2. Clouds are classified according to their height above and appearance (texture) from the ground. • The following terms are used (and can be combined) to classify clouds. • 1) Cirro-a high level cloud, means wispy (always used first, when combined) • 2) Alto- a mid level cloud (always used first, when combined) • 3) Stratus-means layer (used alone, as a low level cloud, or used second if it is a cirrostratus or altostratus) • 4) Nimbo-means precipitation is coming from that cloud (nimbus if it comes second in the combination, like cumulonimbus) • 5) Cumulo-means heap, or kind-of like cotton balls (cumulus if it comes second in the combination, like altocumulus)

3. Cirrus • Thin, wispy clouds. These clouds are formed by ice crystals because they are so high up.

4. Cirrostratus • Very thin sheets of clouds that cover large parts of the sky.

5. Cirrocumulus • Clouds that are very high up, but look a little puffy. They may look similar to fish scales.

6. Altocumulus • Mid-level cloud, kind of gray and puffy. Common on hot, humid summer days. Usually a sign that thunderstorms will follow later in the day.

7. Altostratus • Covers the entire (or most) of the sky. Can form before rain storms.

8. Stratus • Low-lying, gray clouds that cover all or nearly all of the sky.

9. Nimbostratus • Dark gray clouds that produce falling rain or snow.

10. Cumulus • Fair weather clouds, that look like floating cotton balls.

11. Cumulonimbus • Very tall, puffy, thunderstorm clouds. Produce rain, lightning, hail, and/or tornadoes.

12. There are a few more cloud types that are RARE, like contrails or lenticular clouds • If interested in those rare types, please do a google image search on your own…