Clouds

Types of Clouds

 

Cirrus

•    Feathery clouds

•    Form at high altitudes: 6-12 km

•    Made of ice crystals

•    Indicate rain or snow

 

Stratus

•    Smooth gray clouds that cover the sky

•    Form at 2.5 km

•    Light rain and drizzle

•    Fog: stratus clouds formed close to the ground

 

Cumulus

•    Look like cotton balls

•    Fluffy and white with flat bottoms

•    Indicate fair weather

•    Form between 2-14 km in altitude

 

Cumulonimbus

•    Tall, dark rain cloud

•    Often produce thunderstorms

•    Begin at 1,000m and end at 18,000m

 

Nimbostratus

•    Nimbus means rain-bearing clouds

•    Bring rain and snow

•    From below 2 km