Cloud Classifications and

Characteristics
Fish Meteorology
Learning Objectives:
Understand the classification system of clouds based on their appearance,
altitude, and physical characteristics.
Understand the primary cloud types
Recognized the distinguished features of cloud type, such as shape, height,
and associated weather patterns.
RROCIMUCULOS
What is clouds?

Cloud is a mass of water drops

or ice crystals suspended in the
atmosphere
How do clouds form?
Clouds form when the air rises
As air rises it cools, cooler air cannot
hold as much water vapor as warmer
air
As the temperature reaches the dew
point, the water vapor will condense
on dust particles.
What are the different types of clouds?

Clouds are classified by their

altitude and appearance
Each type of cloud forms in a
different way and brings own type
of weather
The main forms are cirrus, stratus,
cumulus
Cirrus Cloud
Cirrus is Latin word for curl
look like curls of white hair
Very high, made of ice crystals
Can indicate a change in the
weather
Stratus Cloud
Latin for sheet or layer
Stratus clouds look like a gray flat
blanket that covers the entire sky
Looks like fog that does reach the
ground.
Usually no precipitation, but
sometimes they may drizzle.
Cumulos Cloud

In Latin, cumulus means heap

It looks like a heap of whipped cream
or cotton balls
Forms on sunny days
Signal good weather
If it gets higher it can cause bad
weather
Common Clouds
Most clouds are mixture of the three main clouds at different altitudes
Cumulo-nimbus
Cirro-stratus
Cirro-Cumulos
Alto-stratus
Strato-Cumulos
Nimbo-Stratus
Fog
Cumulo-nimbus

Thunderheads
Thunderstorm clouds that can grow
very high
Tremendous amouts of energy are
released by the condensation of water
vapos inside this cloud
Lighting, thunder and even violent
tornadoes often occus wiht this cloud