Cloud Types common cloud classifications
Clouds are classified into a system that uses Latin words to describe the appearance of clouds as seen by an observer on the ground.
Cloud Types............Contraction
Altocumulus...............AC Altostratus...............AS Cirrocumulus..............CC Cirrostratus..............CS Cirrus....................CI Cumulonimbus..............CB Cumulonimbus Mamma........CBMAM Cumulus..
[+] Cloud types
Pages in category "Clouds"
There are 8 pages in this section of this category.
Cumulus - cloud type in the form of individual, detached elements which are generally dense, have well-defined outlines, show vertical development in the form of domes, mounds, or towers ...
CIRRUS: A principal cloud type present at high altitudes above 18,000 feet and composed of ice crystals.
CIRROCUMULUS: A principal cloud type featuring cirrus clouds with vertical development.
It is also the least common cloud type, often forming from cirrus or cirrostratus, with which it is associated in the sky. CIRROSTRATUS A cirriform cloud that develops from cirrus spreading out into a thin layer, creating a flat sheetlike appearance.
In the tropics, the defining altitudes for cloud types are generally higher. Middle Latitudes1) The latitude belt roughly between 35 and 65 degrees North and South. Also referred to as the temperate region.
or
2) With specific reference to ...
cumulus"(Abbreviated Cu.) A principal cloud type (cloud genus) in the form of individual, detached elements that are generally dense and posses sharp nonfibrous outlines.
stratocumulus - (Abbreviated Sc.) A principal cloud type (cloud genus), predominantly stratiform, in the form of a gray and/or whitish layer or patch, which nearly always has dark parts and is nonfibrous (except for virga).
Cumulonimbus (Cb) A principal cloud type (cloud genus) of vertical development. Exceptionally dense and vertically developed clouds, occurring either as isolated clouds or as a line or wall of clouds with separated upper portions.
It is also one of the two low cloud types. A cloud that develops in a vertical direction from the base (bottom) up. They have flat bases and dome- or cauliflower-shaped upper surfaces.
cumulonimbus—A cumuliform cloud type; it is heavy and dense, with considerable vertical extent in the form of massive towers; often with tops in the shape of an anvil or massive plume; under the base of cumulonimbus, ...
It is also one of the two low cloud types. It is a sheetlike cloud that does not exhibit individual elements, and is, perhaps, the most common of all low clouds.
Cumulus: A principal cloud type of vertical elements having a flat base and dense, bulging upper portion resembling a heap or pile. The base of cumulus clouds is generally found from 500 to 3000 metres.
These two cloud types are divided into four more groups that describe the cloud's altitude. High clouds form above 20,000 feet in the cold region of the troposphere, and are denoted by the prefix CIRRO or CIRRUS.
Cirrus - One of three basic cloud forms; also one of the three high cloud types. They are thin, delicate ice-crystal clouds often appearing as veil-like patches or thin, wispy fibers.
stratus clouds: a low cloud type that forms a gray layer with a uniform base. Does not usually produce precipitation. Overcast skies.
temperature inversion: when a layer of air has a temperature increase instead of decrease with altitude.
There are ten main cloud types, which are further divided into 27 sub-types according to their height, shape, colour and associated weather. They are given Latin names which describe their characteristics, e.g.
ALTO - Prefix applied to cloud types to designate their heights. Usually mid level clouds. Common usage is ALTOSTRATUS and ALTOCUMULUS. "Alto" is a Latin word meaning tall or high.
Use a cloud chart (photos of different cloud types) to record the type of cloud present.
Stratus Clouds - Low-lying, gray and sheetlike clouds that often produce drizzle. Stratus clouds are a principle cloud type.
Summer - The warmest season of the year. Summer officially begins in late June and last until late September.
Cloud Formations - please see this online cloud atlas for photos and descriptions of all the various cloud types.
Sky Condition- The state of the sky in terms of such parameters as sky cover, layers and associated heights, ceiling, and cloud types.
Sky Cover- The amount of the sky which is covered by clouds or obscurations in contact with the surface.
These reports include such as optical phenomena, coloured precipitation, unusual objects falling in rain showers, unusual (or rarely seen) cloud types etc.
Altocumulus, altostratus, and nimbostratus are the main types of middle clouds. This altitude applies to the temperate zone. In the polar regions, these clouds may be found at lower altitudes. In the tropics, the defining altitudes for cloud types ...
 See also: Cloud, Clouds, Stratus, High, Cumulus
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