Although denizens of grey cities that see less sunshine than they’d like will probably disagree with us, cloudy days aren’t all gloomy. Clouds are one of the Earth’s most interesting phenomenons, not only for their seemingly infinite patterns and shapes, but for what they have to tell us. It is true that no two clouds will ever be the same; however, there are certain types of clouds that offer clues as to what’s going on in our atmosphere. Once you understand what each type means, you may have a shot at predicting the weather almost as accurately as your local television station’s weatherman!
One of the ways clouds are classified is by their altitude in the atmosphere:
- Low-altitude: Below 6,500 feet (includes fog)
- Alto: Between 6,500 and 20,000 feet
- Cirro: Above 20,000 feet (mostly comprised of ice crystals)
Clouds are also classified by their shape and composition:
- Nimbo, or Nimbus: Precipitation-producing cloud
- Cumulo, or Cumulus: Puffy, heaped clouds
- Strato, or Stratus: Flat, wide, layered clouds
Now that you know the categories that define a cloud, let’s have a look at some examples of each type and combination!
Cumulonimbus – Near-ground up to 75,000 feet
These clouds are capable of producing heavy rainstorms, thunder, lightning, hail, strong winds, and tornadoes.
Cirrostratus – Above 18,000 feet
These clouds are typically wispy, flat, and appear in sheets. They can also be found over thunderheads.
Cirrus – Above 18,000 feet
Thin, wispy, and curled; often “horse-tail” shaped, as seen here. Mostly comprised of ice crystals.
Cirrocumulus – Above 18,000 feet
Small and puffy, with a little patchy and sometimes wave-like appearance.
Altocumulus – 6,500 – 20,000 feet
Patchy and more puffy than cirrocumulus, scattered, and often seen in bands.
Altostratus – 6,500 – 20,000 feet
Thin, but uniform in appearance.
Stratocumulus – Below 6,500 feet
Flat and broad bottoms, puffy on top.
Cumulus – Below 6,500 feet
Puffy and piled up.
Stratus – Below 6,500 feet
Thin to thick uniform, flat, layered clouds, with undefined edges. Mostly comprised of water droplets.
Nimbostratus – Below 6,500 feet
Uniform, low, dark, flat clouds that produce precipitation. Mostly comprised of water droplets.
Fog – Touches the ground
Fog is a very low type of stratus cloud. Mostly comprised of water droplets.
BONUS
Mammatus
Low, dense clouds with sagging pouches, usually observed after a tornado.
Lenticularis
Smooth, lentil-shaped clouds found over major geographic structures, like mountains.
Orographic
Formed as a result of moisture climbing up the side of a mountain, quickly cooling and condensing into a cloud.
After learning about some of the different cloud types, check out Common Types of Clouds in the Sky!
