Cloud types
According to the World Meteorological Organization’s International Cloud Atlas, more than 100 types of clouds exist. The many variations, however, can be grouped into one of 10 basic types depending on their general shape and height in the sky. Thus, the 10 types are: Detail:The 10 Basic Types of Clouds
- Low-level clouds (cumulus, stratus, stratocumulus) that lie below 6,500 feet (1,981 m)
- iddle clouds (altocumulus, nimbostratus, altostratus) that form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet (1981–6,096 m)
- High-level clouds (cirrus, cirrocumulus, cirrostratus) that form above 20,000 feet (6,096 m)
- Cumulonimbus, which tower across the low, middle, and upper atmosphere
cloud type table
| Abbreviation | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ci | Cirrus(卷云) | Fibrous white feathery clouds of ice crystals. |
| Cs | Cirrostratus(卷层云) | Milky translucent cloud veil of ice crystals. |
| Cc | Cirrocumulus(卷积云) | Fleecy cloud,cloud banks of small, white flakes. |
| Ac | Altocumulus(高积云) | Grey cloud bundles compound like rough fleecy cloud. |
| As | Altostratus(高层云) | Dense gray layer cloud, often even and opaque. |
| Cu | Cumulus(积云) | Heap clouds with flat bases in the middle or lower level. |
| Cb | Cumulonimbus(积雨云) | Middle or lower cloud level thundercloud. |
| Ns | Nimbostratus(雨层云) | Rain cloud. Grey, dark layer cloud, indistinct outlines. |
| Sc | Stratocumulus(层积云) | Rollers or banks of compound dark gray layer cloud. |
| St | Stratus(层云) | Low layer cloud, causes fog or fine precipitation. |
| Ct | Contrails(航迹云) | Line-shaped clouds produced by aircraft engine. |
| Abbreviation | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Ci | Cirrus | Fibrous white feathery clouds of ice crystals. |
| Cs | Cirrostratus | Milky translucent cloud veil of ice crystals. |
| Cc | Cirrocumulus | Fleecy cloud,cloud banks of small, white flakes. |
| Ac | Altocumulus | Grey cloud bundles compound like rough fleecy cloud. |
| As | Altostratus | Dense gray layer cloud, often even and opaque. |
| Cu | Cumulus | Heap clouds with flat bases in the middle or lower level. |
| Cb | Cumulonimbus | Middle or lower cloud level thundercloud. |
| Ns | Nimbostratus | Rain cloud. Grey, dark layer cloud, indistinct outlines. |
| Sc | Stratocumulus | Rollers or banks of compound dark gray layer cloud. |
| St | Stratus | Low layer cloud, causes fog or fine precipitation. |
| Ct | Contrails | Line-shaped clouds produced by aircraft engine. |
cloud types’ influence
relation between cloud type and weather
We surface observers admire clouds for their beauty, but clouds are more than just pretty puffs. In fact, clouds can help you predict upcoming weather. Look out for these eight cloud types next time you’re out backpacking or boating to avoid being caught off guard by a “sudden” rainfall or thunderstorm. Details:Using Clouds to Predict the Weather
relation between cloud types and radiative effects
Cloud types are defined by their top height and optical thickness. Cloud-type variations are shown to be as important as cloud cover in modifying the radiation field of the earth–atmosphere system. Other variables, such as the solar insolation and atmospheric and surface properties, also play significant roles in determining regional cloud radiative effects.Details : Radiative Effects of Cloud-Type Variations
contrails play an important role on climate change
Rising global air traffic and its associated contrails have the potential for affecting climate via radiative forcing. Details:Contrails, Cirrus Trends, and Climate
