Question

How are clouds classified?

Answer 1

Clouds are classified, according to their height, with the following types.

They are

1. High clouds (6 – 20 km ht)
2. Middle clouds (2.5 km – 6 km ht)
3. Low clouds (ground surface to 2.5 km ht)

•  High clouds:

1. Cirrus: Detached clouds in the form of white, delicate fibrous silky filaments formed at the high sky (8,000 meters to 12,000 meters) are called Cirrus clouds. These clouds are dry and do not give rainfall.
2. Cirro: Cumulus: They are white patched, sheet or layer like clouds composed of ice crystals.
3. Cirro: Stratus: Smooth, milky transparent whitish clouds composed of tiny ice crystals.

• Middle clouds:

1. Altostratus: Thin sheets of grey or blue colored clouds in uniform appearance, consisting of frozen water droplets.
2. Altocumulus: Clouds fitted closely together in parallel bands known as ‘sheep clouds’ or woolpack clouds.
3. Nimbo Stratus: These are clouds of dark color very close to the ground surface associated with rain, snow, or sleet.

• low stand

1. Strato - cumulus: Grey (or) whitish layer of non-fibrous low clouds found in rounded patches at a height of 2500 to 3000 meters, associated with fair or clear weather.
2. Stratus: Dense, low lying fog-like clouds associated with rain or snow.
3. Cumulus: Dome-shaped with a flat face often resembling a Cauliflower associated with fair weather.
4. Cumulo Nimbus: Fluffy thick towering thunderstorm cloud capable of producing heavy rain, snow, hailstorm as tornadoes.