Cirrus, Stratus, Cumulus, and, Cumulonimbus Types of Clouds Cirrus, Stratus, Cumulus, and, Cumulonimbus Clouds are formed by CONDENSATION.

Cirrus Clouds Cirrus is a Latin word that means “curl of hair”. Typically found at high altitudes. Thin, wispy clouds Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals that originate from the freezing of super cooled water droplets. Cirrus generally occur in fair weather and point in the direction of air movement at their elevation.

Stratus Clouds The word stratus comes from Latin, means “to spread out”. Stratus clouds are usually low clouds seen on an overcast day. Stratus clouds often block out the sun. Usually produce light to heavy continuous rain. Fog can be considered a low stratus cloud in contact with the ground. When the fog lifts, it usually becomes true stratus.

Cumulus Clouds The word cumulus comes from Latin, “means heap or pile”. Cumulus clouds are usually puffy with distinct edges and usually a noticeable vertical (upward) development. Cumulus clouds are associated with thunderstorms. These are called cumulonimbus clouds, nimbus means “rainy cloud”.

Cumulonimbus Clouds usually associated with thunderstorms Rise high into atmosphere & have an anvil shape

An anvil