The types of clouds and more clouds Cloud

The types of clouds, and more clouds Cloud project By: Jade Gatt, period 3 Justin Gatt, period 1 Dr. B

High Clouds (above 20, 000 feet)

This cloud is… Cirrostratus Definition- A high-level, very thin, generally uniform stratiform genuscloud, composed of ice crystals. Location- Are high-placed clouds located roughly 16, 404 to 42, 650 feet above earth’s surface. They normally cover large parts of the sky. Formation- Usually formed by the spreading and eventual joining of cirrus clouds. This occurs as cool, dry air encounters warmer, moist air. Due to their high altitude, cirrostratus clouds are made up of ice crystals. Weather Patterns- This cloud doesn’t produce precipitation, but is a warning sign of changing weather to come. Cirrostratus Cloud

This cloud is… Cirrus Definition- A genus of atmospheric cloud, generally characterized by thin, wispy strands. Location- Is generally located above 5, 000 m in temperate regions and 6, 100 m in tropical regions. Formation- The most common high-level clouds are thin and wispy cirrus clouds. Typically found at heights greater than 20, 000 feet, cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals that originate from the freezing of supercooled water droplets. Weather Patterns- Brings fair weather but the fair weather indicates that a thunderstorm/storm is approaching. Cirrus Cloud

This cloud is… Cirrocumulus Definition- Is a cirriform cloud of a class characterized by thin, white patches, each of which is composed of very small granules or ripples: of high altitude, about 20, 000 -40, 000 feet. Location- They usually occur at an altitude of 16, 000 to 39, 000 feet. Formation- Formed from ice crystals or water droplets. Weather Patterns- If there are only small patches of cirrocumulus and perhaps some wisps of cirrus, it usually means a continuation of good weather (although this also may be seen in conjunction with showers and thunderstorms). If it is seen after rain it usually means improving weather. Cirrocumulus Clouds

Middle Clouds (6, 500 -20, 000 feet)

This cloud is… Altocumulus Definition- A cloud of a class characterized by globular masses or rolls in layers or patches, the individual elements being larger and darker than those of cirrocumulus and smaller than those of stratocumulus: of medium altitude, about 8, 000 -20, 000 feet. Location- Sometimes are found in rolling lines or waves or round masses that are somewhat shaded around their borders. On the other hand, altocumulus clouds can form great continuous sheets that seem featureless. One famous type of altocumulus produces a mackerel sky, which resembles the markings of the fish. Formation- Altocumulus stratiformis pertains to flat and far-reaching horizontal layers of altocumulus clouds. This is caused by the rise of moisture content resulting to progressive formation of thickening bands occupying the sky. Altocumulus stratiformis may descend to nimbostratus or altostratus opacus. Weather Patterns- This is a cold weather cloud. It either brings cold and dry or cold and wet weather. Normally means a thunderstorm is coming. Altocumulus Cloud

This cloud is… Altostratus Definition- A middle altitude cloud genus belonging to the stratiform physical category characterized by a generally uniform gray to bluishgreen of a sheet or layer. Lighter in color than nimbostratus and darker than high cirrostratus. Location- Found in the mid levels of the atmosphere. Formation- Formed by ice crystals and water droplets. Weather Patterns- A clod weather cloud that brings cold and dry or cold and wet weather but normally forms before a rain storm. Altostratus Cloud

Low Clouds (below 6, 500 feet)

This cloud is… Cumulonimbus Definition- A type of cumulus cloud associated with thunderstorms and heavy precipitation. They are also a variation of nimbus or precipitation bearing clouds. They are relatively close to the ground. Location- Below 6, 500 feet in altitude. Formation- Forms from water vapor carried by powerful upward air currents. At high elevations it is formed by ice crystals. Weather Patterns- Can bring thunderstorms, hail storms, heavy torrential downpours, lightening, and even tornados. Individual cumulonimbus cells will usually dissipate within an hour once showers start falling, making for short-lived, heavy rain. Cumulonimbus Cloud

This cloud is… Cumulus Definition- Is a type of cloud with noticeable vertical development and clearly defined edges. Cumulus clouds are often precursors of other types of clouds, such as cumulonimbus, when influenced by weather factors such as instability, moisture, and temperature gradient. Location- Are located in the troposphere of the atmosphere. They are generally below 6, 500 feet in altitude. Formation- Cumulus clouds are formed when warm air rises. As the air rises it cools and the moisture in it condenses. Weather Patterns- Usually brings fair/sunny weather. Cumulus Cloud

This cloud is… Stratus Definition- A cloud belonging to a class characterized by horizontal layering with a uniform base, as opposed to convective clouds that are as tall or taller than wide. Location- They are located at low altitudes, often touching the peaks of hills. Formation- When an upward-moving current of air collides with a thinner layer of air above it, causing water drops to form. Weather Patterns- Known to bring dark and gloomy weather. Light rain can be associated with these types of clouds and dense fog is rather common. Stratus Cloud

This cloud is… Nimbostratus Definition- A cloud in a class characterized by a formless layer that is almost uniformly dark gray; a rain cloud of the layer type, of low altitude, usually below 8, 000 feet. Location- Low-level clouds that are found between the earth’s surface and an altitude of 6, 500 feet. Formation- Comprised small, condensed water or ice crystals. Weather Patterns- Produces falling rain or snow. Nimbostratus Cloud

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