Embedded Files
Recognizing cloud types and processes that create various cloud formations is key to understanding dynamic atmospheric processes. Below are several photo galleries of common cloud types.
Use the galleries to study cloud types and check your understanding by taking a quiz.
Cumulus Clouds
Cumulus Clouds
Puffy Clouds that are low in the sky and signal "fair weather" - while indicating generally stable conditions, minimal lift.
Alto and Cirro Cumulus Clouds
Alto and Cirro Cumulus Clouds
High (alto) and very high (cirro) puffy clouds that indicate graduate changing of weather as a warm front approaches.
Cumulonimbus Clouds
Cumulonimbus Clouds
Towering rain clouds that indicate rainstorms, often violent, resulting from strong uplift under highly unstable conditions.
Stratus Clouds
Stratus Clouds
Layered clouds with little to no sky or sunlight visible. Often indicating the presence of a warm front that has gently lifted stationary cooler air. No rain, but may precede rain.
Cirrus Clouds
Cirrus Clouds
High, wispy or feathery clouds often form at the far leading edge of a warm front and may precede rainy weather within days
Lenticular Clouds
Lenticular Clouds
These clouds form above mountains as stable, moist air is forced over the elevations. These appear stationary even as the wind is blowing. The formation is uncommon, but the process is very common.
Orographic Clouds
Orographic Clouds
In each of these images, the flat ground is on the right and elevation (San Gabriel Mountains) is on the left. Moist air from the ocean is being pushed up the mountainsides.
Mammatus Clouds
Mammatus Clouds
Peculiar and somewhat rare clouds that form when cloud air within a cloud bank sinks downward toward the ground.
Contrails
Contrails
Contrails are by the exhaust of jet engines interacting with the cold air in the upper atmosphere. They are still clouds because they are made of condensed water droplets.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse