The 10 Major Cloud Types

 

High	Cirrus, Ci. Cirrocumulus, Cc. Cirrostratus, Cs
Middle	Altocumulus, Ac. Altostratus, As. Nimbostratus, Ns
Low	Stratocumulus, Sc. Stratus, St. Cumulus, Cu. Cumulonimbus, Cb

 

From: http://www.ucar.edu/educ_outreach/webweather/cloud3.html

 

This method of cloud classification was proposed by Luke Howard (1803) who named the clouds based on their form:

Cirrus - curl

Stratus - layer

Cumulus - heap

Nimbus - rain

and on their height:

High

Middle

Low

Contrails fall into the category of cirrus as they are high level clouds that consist entirely of ice crystals.

For more useful cloud descriptions visit:

Cloud Chart Gallery

Cloud Types for Children

Common cloud classifications

The following book is also some recommended reading for cloud form and classification:

Earth from Dorling Kindersley. Pages 466 to473.

This reference contains good descriptions of cloud type and form and also contains some useful images for cloud classifications.

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