Lecture 12
Cloud Types
See Ahrens, Ch. 4
Classification
Forms
Stratiform
Cumuliform
Cirriform
Height
Genera, species, varieties (as in biology)
(Genera also called cloud “types”)
Forms
Stratiform (like stratus)
Arranged in horizontal sheets
Comes from Latin verb meaning “to spread out”
Cumuliform (like cumulus)
“Rounded masses”
Comes from Latin verb meaning “to swell”
Cirriform (like cirrus)
Fibrous; made of ice crystals
From Latin: “lock of hair”
Cloud Genera (Types)
High Clouds
Cirrus (Ci), cirrostratus (Ci), cirrocumulus(Cc)
Middle-level Clouds
Altostratus (As), altocumulus (Ac)
Low Clouds
Stratus (St), nimbostratus (Ns), stratocumulus (Sc)
Clouds exhibiting extensive vertical development
Cumulus(Cu), cumulonimbus (Cb)
Cirrus
Cirrostratus
Halo
Cirrocumulus (“Mackerel Sky”)
Altostratus
Altocumulus
Stratus
Stratocumulus
Nimbostratus
Cumulus Humilis (“Fair-Weather Cumulus”)
Cumulus Congestus (“Towering Cumulus”)
Cumulonimbus (Thundercloud)
Anvil