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Weather. In meteorology, a cloud is an aerosol consisting of a visible mass of miniature liquid droplets, frozen crystals, or other particles suspended in the atmosphere of a planetary body or similar space. [1] Water or various other chemicals may compose the droplets and crystals. On Earth, clouds are formed as a result of saturation of the ...
- Cirrus. Cirrus clouds are delicate, feathery clouds that are made mostly of ice crystals. Their wispy shape comes from wind currents which twist and spread the ice crystals into strands.
- Altocumulus. Altocumulus clouds have several patchy white or gray layers, and seem to be made up of many small rows of fluffy ripples. They are lower than cirrus clouds, but still quite high.
- Cumulus. Cumulus clouds look like fluffy, white cotton balls in the sky. They are beautiful in sunsets, and their varying sizes and shapes can make them fun to observe!
- Stratocumulus. Stratocumulus clouds are patchy gray or white clouds that often have a dark honeycomb-like appearance. Weather prediction: Fair weather for now, but a storm might be on its way.
- Overview
- Clouds
- Cumulus Clouds
- Stratus Clouds
- Stratocumulus Cloud
- Altocumulus Cloud
- Nimbostratus Cloud
This article provides information on the 10 basic types of clouds according to the World Meteorological Organization's International Cloud Atlas, including their general shape and height in the sky. It also describes each type of cloud with its characteristics and what kind of weather can be expected from them.
Over 100 types of clouds exist, but they can be grouped into 10 basic types based on their shape and height in the sky. Low-level clouds are below 6,500 feet (1,981 m), middle clouds form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet (1981–6,096 m), high-level clouds form above 20k ft (6,096m). Cumulonimbus tower across all levels.
Puffy white tops with flat dark bottoms that develop on clear sunny days; nicknamed "fair weather" clouds.
Hang low as a flat grayish layer seen on dreary overcast days associated with light mist or drizzle.
Low puffy grayish or whitish patches that occur in patches with blue sky visible in between; mostly cloudy day cloud type formed by weak convection.
Most common mid-atmosphere cloud appearing as white or gray patches dotting the sky; warm humid mornings summer signal thunderstorms to come later in the day or cooler temperatures ahead of cold fronts.
Dark gray layer covering the sky from low to middle atmosphere indicating steady rain/snow falling over widespread area .
- Learn how clouds form. Looking up at the sky you’ve probably noticed clouds. While clouds are similar in many ways, there are lots of different types and they form in different ways.
- Learn about types of clouds. Read the list below to learn about the different types of clouds, what they look like and where they appear in the sky. Or download and print out this chart (also available en Español)
- Learn how to identify types of clouds. A dichotomous key is a tool scientists (and you!) can use to identify things in nature by answering yes or no questions.
- Make cloud (and weather) observations. Go outside or look out the window toward the sky to begin observations. If you have a thermometer, measure the temperature and write it down.
Apr 26, 2024 · cloud. noun. visible mass of tiny water droplets or ice crystals in Earth's atmosphere. cloud condensation nuclei (CCN) plural noun. microscopic bits of clay, salt, or solid pollutant around which water vapor condenses in clouds to form raindrops. cloud cover.
Oct 12, 2023 · Cumulonimbus: Towering thunderstorm clouds that spread out at the top like an anvil. Stratocumulus: Gray or white patchy sheet of rolled or rounded clouds. Stratus: Gray translucent cloud layer ...
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4 days ago · Middle clouds, 7 to 2 km (23,000 to 6,500 feet), are altocumulus and altostratus. Low clouds, 2 to 0 km (6,500 to 0 feet), are stratocumulus, stratus, and nimbostratus. A cloud that extends through all three heights is called a cumulonimbus. A cloud at the surface is called a fog.
