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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 air when ...
- Overview
- Clouds
- Cumulus Clouds
- Stratus Clouds
- Stratocumulus Cloud
- Altocumulus Cloud
- Nimbostratus Cloud
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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 about the 10 basic types of clouds based on their shape and height in the sky. Find out how to identify them and what kind of weather they indicate.
Apr 26, 2024 · Learn about clouds, visible accumulations of water droplets or ice crystals in Earth's atmosphere. Find out how clouds form, what types of clouds exist, and how they affect weather and climate.
- 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.
The list of cloud types groups all genera as high (cirro-, cirrus), middle (alto-), multi-level (nimbo-, cumulo-, cumulus), and low (strato-, stratus). These groupings are determined by the altitude level or levels in the troposphere at which each of the various cloud types is normally found.
Oct 12, 2023 · There are 10 primary types of clouds on Earth. Here you can learn about what they're made of, how they form and how they are classified.
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Apr 24, 2019 · Learn about the science and types of clouds, from wispy cirrus to stormy cumulonimbus. Find out how clouds form, shape the weather, and affect life on Earth and other planets.
