cloud classification system

Cloud Classification system

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A. Low Level Cloud: C. Features:

(1)Grayish Clouds(2)Fragmented and thin or can also form

as a layer or sheet(3)Resemble fog(4)No precipitation but may drizzle

D. Low Level Cloud: F. Features:

(1)Puffy like cotton(2)Cauliflower Appearance(3)Bright tops and dark base in color

G. Low Level Cloud:

I. Features:(1) Dark gray- continuously

falling rain or snow(2) Light gray or white-

continuous rain or showers

Low level clouds:Stratus, Cumulus, and Nimbostratus

Stratus – layer (like a blanket)Cumulus- heap, pile (like a puffy cottonball)NIMBOstratus- rain, precipitation

J. Cloud:

K. Features:

(1) Dark base(2) Associated with lightning,

thunder, and violent tornadoes(3) Congested clouds that grow

vertically(4) Range from 1,000 feet to

39,000 feet

L. Middle Level Cloud:

O. Features: (1) Gray, puffy masses(2) Align in rows (3) May be unstable and have

thunderstorms by late afternoon

P. Middle Level Cloud:

S. Features: (1) Gray or bluish-gray(2) Flat smooth dark sheet(3) Cover the entire sky(4) An incoming storm is

approaching

Middle Level Clouds:Altocumulus, Altostratus

ALTO- middleCUMULUS- heap

ALTO- middleSTRATUS- layer

T. High Level Cloud: V. Feature:

(1) Brilliant white(2) Wispy, feathery that is

composed of ice crystals(3) Fair to pleasant weather

with light winds

W. High Level Cloud:

Z. Features:(1) Brilliant white(2) thin, sheet-like high clouds

cover the entire sky(3) More widespread than Cirrus

clouds(4) Can develop on days with light

winds but increasing in strength

AA. High Level Cloud: DD. Features:

(1) small, rounded white puffs(2) Brilliant white(3) Lined up as rows of clouds(4) No precipitation associated

with fine weather

High Level Clouds: Cirrus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus

Cirrus- curl of hairCirro- high level

Stratus- layerCumulus- heap

key

• A. stratus• D. cumulus• G. nimbostratus• J. cumulonimbus• L. altocumulus• P. altostratus• T. cirrus• W. cirrostratus• AA. cirrocumulus