cloud classification
- A scheme of distinguishing and grouping clouds according to their appearance, and, where possible, to their process of formation. ...
- A scheme of classifying clouds according to their usual altitudes. ...
- A scheme of classifying clouds according to their particulate composition, namely, water clouds, ice-crystal clouds, and mixed clouds. ...
How to identify the 10 different types of clouds?
Thus, the 10 types are:
- Low-level clouds (cumulus, stratus, stratocumulus) that lie below 6,500 feet (1,981 m)
- Middle clouds (altocumulus, nimbostratus, altostratus) that form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet (1981–6,096 m)
- High-level clouds (cirrus, cirrocumulus, cirrostratus) that form above 20,000 feet (6,096 m)
What are the three main classifications for clouds?
- The highest clouds in the atmosphere are cirrocumulus, cirrus, and cirrostratus. ...
- Mid-level clouds include altocumulus and altostratus.
- The lowest clouds in the atmosphere are stratus, cumulus, and stratocumulus.
What are all of the methods of classifying clouds?
cloud classification The system by which clouds are accorded formal names based on their form, altitude, and the physical processes generating them. The World Meteorological Organization (International Cloud Atlas, 1956) classifies ten genera in three major groups (cumulus or heap clouds, stratus or sheet clouds, and cirrus or fibrous clouds) by criteria essentially based on cloud form.
What are the two criteria by which clouds are classified?
Clouds are classified on the basis of two criteria. Form: Cirrus clouds are high, white, and thin. Cumulus clouds are globular, usually exhibiting a flat base. Stratus clouds are best described as layers covering much of the sky. Height: High clouds are above 6000 m. Middle clouds range between 2000-6000 m. Low clouds are at altitudes of less than 2000 m.
How are clouds named and classified?
Within each altitude class additional classifications are defined based on four basic types and combinations thereof. These types are Cirrus (meaning hair like), Stratus (meaning layer), Cumulus (meaning pile) and Nimbus (meaning rain producing).
What are the four classifications of clouds?
The Four Core Types of CloudsCirro-form. The Latin word 'cirro' means curl of hair. ... Cumulo-form. Generally detached clouds, they look like white fluffy cotton balls. ... Strato-form. From the Latin word for 'layer' these clouds are usually broad and fairly wide spread appearing like a blanket. ... Nimbo-form.
What are the three main classifications of clouds?
0:283:04The Three Main Clouds - Cirrus, Stratus, Cumulus - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMove all clouds forming we're going to get a tornado so let's look at the three main cloud types andMoreMove all clouds forming we're going to get a tornado so let's look at the three main cloud types and how they're used as kind of indicators for the weather. So we've got cumulus stratus and cirrus
How do you describe clouds?
You can use various descriptive words for clouds according to their shape, height, density and color. Some clouds are as thick as cotton and some are gray and uniform. Some clouds are near the earth, while others are near the surface of the troposphere....Adjective Words to Describe Clouds.Luminous CloudSoftShapedRosyYellowDistantRushingLowFresh8 more rows
What is a cloud name 4 types of clouds and explain all?
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.
How are clouds formed 4?
The Short Answer: Clouds are created when water vapor, an invisible gas, turns into liquid water droplets. These water droplets form on tiny particles, like dust, that are floating in the air. You hang up a wet towel and, when you come back, it's dry.
What are 5 main types of clouds?
There are ten main types of clouds:Altocumulus.Altostratus.Cirrocumulus.Cirrostratus.Cirrus.Cumulonimbus.Cumulus.Nimbostratus.More items...•
How many cloud types are there?
According to the World Meteorological Organization's International Cloud Atlas, more than 100 types of clouds exist. The many variations, however, can be grouped into one of 10 basic types depending on their general shape and height in the sky.