Different Types of Clouds

Different Types of Clouds | All About Clouds

Clouds are the aggregation of innumerable tiny water droplets, ice particles, and dust in the air much above the ground surface. The formation of clouds occurs due to the condensation of water vapor. According to the study, there are more than 100 types of clouds present. These clouds can be grouped into basic types depending on the shape and height in the sky. The main types of clouds present are low-level clouds (below 6,500 feet), middle clouds (6,500-20,000 feet), and high-level clouds (above 20,000 feet). Below are some different types of clouds one should know:

Cumulus

Cumulus clouds develop on bright and sunny days. The tops are rounded and puffy, but the bottoms are flat and dark. The clouds, also known as fair-weather clouds, appear in the late morning and disappear during the evening.

Stratus

The clouds can form on misty days, and they hang low in the sky. The stratus clouds are grey and are flat and featureless. The clouds appear on dreary and overcast days. It seems like the fog is hugging the horizon.

Stratocumulus

They mostly appear on cloudy days. The stratocumulus clouds are puffy, small, and are greyish and whitish. They appear when there is weak convection in the atmosphere

Altocumulus

The clouds often develop on warm and humid mornings, especially in summers. They are also greyish and whitish but remains high in the sky

Nimbostratus

They are also known as rain clouds. The clouds cover the sky in a dark grey layer and include the lower and middle layers of the atmosphere

Altostratus

Altostratus formed during early winters. The cloud appears as bluish-gray layers of cloud that partially covers the mid-levels of the atmosphere

Cirrus

They usually appear in fair weather. The clouds are thin, white, and wavy strands of clouds that streak across the sky

Cirrocumulus

One can spot the clouds in fair winter weather. The cirrocumulus clouds are small and white patches of clouds in rows forms at higher altitudes. The individual clouds of cirrocumulus are much smaller and known as cloudlets.

Cirrostratus

The clouds formed when there is a large amount of moisture in the upper layer of the atmosphere. The clouds are transparent and whitish. The clouds are also associated with approaching warm fronts.

Cumulonimbus

Cumulonimbus clouds are thunderstorm clouds. The clouds formed at low, middle, and high layers. The tops are bulgy, and bottoms are hazy and dark.