Different Types Of Clouds

Clouds, amongst the most beautiful creations of nature, are the result of the moisture in the atmosphere reaching dewpoint, in the presence of condensation nuclei in the troposphere. Often considered to be of a single kind, clouds can be differentiated on the basis of a number of parameters, like the local conditions of turbulence, uplift, etc. Apart from that, clouds also organize in distinct patterns, a result of atmospheric processes, thus making their classification all the more easier. In the following lines, we have provided information on the basic types of clouds in the sky.

 

 

There are basically two types of high-level clouds - namely Cirrus clouds and Contrail clouds.

 

Cirrus clouds have been seen to form at a height of more than 23,000 feet (6,000 m). They are mainly present in the cold region of the troposphere. Owing to the height, the water in the atmosphere freezes and the clouds start comprising of ice crystals. Cirrus clouds are likely to be quite flimsy and are, more often than not, pretty transparent. When witnessed in isolation, such clouds are harmless. However, when seen in large amounts, they can serve as an indication of an approaching storm. Cirrus clouds can be of a number of types, including:

The second one of the two high-level clouds comprises of the contrail clouds. They are formed from the water vapors emitted by aircraft engines into the atmosphere, which later freeze to form ice crystals. These crystals later form trails, known as condensation trails (contrails) or Cirrus Aviaticus.

 

Medium level clouds include three types, Altostratus clouds, Altocumulus clouds and Nimbostratus clouds.

 

Altostratus clouds are amongst the ones that usually bring rain or snow. They are formed from the condensation of the large lifted air mass. This, in turn, leads to the building up of a frontal system, resulting in Altostratus clouds. These clouds can be divided into:

 

Altocumulus clouds are also associated with bringing rain or snow. However, they usually do not form a frontal system, like the Altostratus clouds. Altocumulus clouds can be further classified into:

The third of the middle-level clouds, Nimbostratus clouds have been seen to have a low visibility. These types of clouds, though, have been associated with bringing constant precipitation. Nimbostratus clouds are of the following types:

Low-level clouds include Stratocumulus clouds, Stratus clouds and Cumulus clouds

 

Stratocumulus clouds can be described as lumpy, layered clouds. They often follow a cold front and can lead to the occurrence of rain or drizzle. The following types of stratocumulus clouds are there:

Stratus clouds are horizontal clouds that seem to having layers. Such clouds boast of a uniform base, which is usually linked with extensive precipitation or ocean air and frequently produces drizzle. Stratus clouds include:

Often known as fair weather clouds, cumulus clouds can easily turn into more storm-condition clouds. A continued upward growth of such clouds can be taken to mean showers, later in the day. Cirrus clouds can be of the following types:

The fourth category of clouds, vertically developed clouds include only Cumulonimbus clouds.

 

Cumulonimbus clouds are the ones that are responsible for storms and rain, or showers. They include: