18.3 Cloud Types and Precipitation

Stratus

( stratum a layer) clouds are best described as sheets or layers that cover much or all of the sky. While there may be minor breaks, there are no distinct individual cloud units.

Cumulus

(cumulus a pile) clouds consist of rounded individual cloud masses. Normally, they have a flat base and the appearance of rising domes or towers. These clouds are frequently described as having a cauli- flower structure.

Nimbus

A nimbus cloud is a cloud that produces precipitation. Usually the precipitation reaches the ground as rain, hail, snow, or sleet.

Cloud Types

Clouds are classified on the basis of their form and height.

Middle Clouds

Clouds that appear in the middle range, from about 2000 to 6000 meters, have the prefix alto- as part of their name. Altocumulus clouds are composed of rounded masses that differ from cirrocumulus clouds in that altocumulus clouds are larger and denser Altostratus clouds create a uniform white to grayish sheet covering the sky with the sun or moon visible as a bright spot. Infrequent light snow or drizzle may accompany these clouds.

What are 3 levels of cloud?

High, Middle and low

Low Cloud

There are three members in the family of low clouds: stratus, stratocumulus, and nimbostratus. - Stratus clouds are a uniform, fog-like layer of clouds that frequently covers much of the sky. Occasionally, these clouds may produce light precipitation. - Stratocumulus - When stratus clouds develop a scalloped bottom that appears as long parallel rolls or broken rounded patches, they are called stratocumulus clouds. - Nimbostratus clouds derive their name from the Latin word nimbus, which means "rainy cloud," and stratus, which means "to cover with a layer." As the name suggests, nimbostratus clouds are one of the main precipitation makers. Nimbostratus clouds form during stable conditions.

High Clouds

Three cloud types make up the family of high clouds: cirrus, cirrostratus, and cirrocumulus. Cirrocumulus clouds consist of fluffy masses, while cirrostratus clouds are flat layers. All high clouds are thin and white and are often made up of ice crystals. This is because of the low temperatures and small quantities of water vapor present at high altitudes.

Cirrus

cirrus (a curl of hair) clouds are high, white, and thin. They can occur as patches or as delicate veil-like sheets or extended wispy fibers that often have a feathery appearance.