CLOUDS Types and details
How Clouds Form Form when water vapor in the air condenses in to liquid drops or ice crystals. Must condense on small particles in the air (dust, pollen, etc…) Condense when vapor reaches upper levels of the troposphere and cool.
Classification of Clouds Clouds are classified into 4 main types of clouds based on their altitude and shape. The word parts of each of these 4 types are combined to create over 10 cloud names.
Cumulus Description: fluffy, cotton ball like clouds. Associated with good weather. Altitude: low to the ground (lower than 2km)
Stratus Description: Flat layered clouds that cover most of the sky. As they thicken, they may produce rain. Altitude: low
Cirrus Description: Wispy, feathery clouds made of ice crystals. Altitude: High in the sky (above 6km)
Nimbus Description: Dark grey clouds that cover the whole sky and produce rain. Altitude: Low
Your turn….
Can you ID this one?
The Combination Clouds Most clouds are combinations of two or more basic types. If clouds are in the mid layers (2-6km), we use the prefix alto- Altocumulus
Other Alto- Clouds Altostratus Altocirrus
Other Combo. Clouds Stratocumulus Cirrocumulus
Even more combos. Stratocumulus Cumulonimbus
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