Earths Structure And Layers Questions
The different types of clouds are classified based on their altitude and appearance. The main types of clouds are:
1. Cirrus clouds: These are high-altitude clouds that appear thin, wispy, and feathery. They are composed of ice crystals and are often associated with fair weather.
2. Cumulus clouds: These are mid-level clouds that have a puffy, cotton-like appearance. They are usually associated with fair weather but can develop into cumulonimbus clouds, which bring thunderstorms.
3. Stratus clouds: These are low-level clouds that appear as a uniform layer covering the sky. They are often gray and can bring drizzle or light rain.
4. Cumulonimbus clouds: These are towering clouds that extend vertically through multiple cloud layers. They are associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, lightning, and sometimes hail.
5. Altostratus clouds: These are mid-level clouds that appear as a gray or blue-gray layer covering the sky. They can bring continuous light rain or snow.
6. Altocumulus clouds: These are mid-level clouds that appear as white or gray patches or layers with a wavy or globular appearance. They are often associated with fair weather but can indicate an approaching storm.
7. Stratocumulus clouds: These are low-level clouds that appear as a patchy layer with a lumpy or wavy appearance. They are usually gray or white and can bring light rain or drizzle.
8. Nimbostratus clouds: These are low-level clouds that appear as a thick, dark layer covering the sky. They bring continuous moderate to heavy rain or snow.
Clouds can also be classified as high-level clouds (above 20,000 feet), mid-level clouds (6,500 to 20,000 feet), or low-level clouds (below 6,500 feet).