Cloud Types

CONDENSATION Air containing water vapor is heated at the surface of the earth and rises (evaporation). As the air rises, it cools and the water vapor condenses on some form of particulate matter such as dust, ash, or smoke to form clouds. Condensation on spider webs. Views of early morning fog in Indiana

Importance of Clouds So, what is a cloud? What do clouds tell us? ~ It is a thick mass of suspended water drops or ice crystals. What do clouds tell us? ~ Signals for changes in the weather. Predicting the weather requires the understanding of the different types of clouds

3 Basic Cloud Types Cirrus Cumulus Stratus “curl of hair”  feathery “heap” or “pile”  can be tall Stratus “spread out”  flat layers

Cirrus Clouds Thin, white clouds with a feathery appearance. They are the highest of all clouds Water vapor = ice crystals.

Cirrus Clouds They generally occur in fair weather and point in the direction of air movement at their elevation. Dense cirrus clouds are usually the first sign of an approaching storm.

Cirrus Cloud Phenomenon Sun Pillar Sometimes, when the sun is just below the horizon, aligned ice crystals reflect light from their crystal faces. We see the cumulative effect of millions of reflections of this sunlight as a sun pillar.

Cumulus Clouds: Low altitude. Puffy white clouds that form when air is forced up rapidly. Neutral weather Can produce thunderstorms when they grow “taller” (cumulonimbus) Cumulus Clouds:

Stratus Clouds Low altitude. Formed when air is forced up slowly. Layered, thin, sheet-like clouds. Often gray and thick. Brings drizzle and rain.

Cloud Type by Altitude Clouds can also be classified based on their altitude There are three categories of cloud heights: High Clouds = Cirrus Middle Clouds = Alto Low Clouds = Stratus

NIMBUS: any cloud that rains Cloud Type by Rain NIMBUS: any cloud that rains Nimbostratus: low, flat clouds that are often associated with steady precipitation and occur in thick, continuous layers and are often dark gray in color. Cumulonimbus: big cumulus clouds that often form thunderstorms.