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The list of cloud types groups all genera as high (cirro-, cirrus), middle (alto-), multi-level (nimbo-, cumulo-, cumulus), and low (strato-, stratus). These groupings are determined by the altitude level or levels in the troposphere at which each of the various cloud types is normally found.
Cirrus clouds form with a vast range of thicknesses. They can be as little as 100 m (330 ft) from top to bottom to as thick as 8,000 m (26,000 ft). Cirrus cloud thickness is usually somewhere between those two extremes, with an average thickness of 1,500 m (4,900 ft). [23]
the cloud IR emissivity, with values between 0 and 1, with a global average around 0.7; the effective cloud amount, the cloud amount weighted by the cloud IR emissivity, with a global average of 0.5; the cloud (visible) optical depth varies within a range of 4 and 10. the cloud water path for the liquid and solid (ice) phases of the cloud particles
Cumulus arcus clouds have a gust front, [26] and cumulus tuba clouds have funnel clouds or tornadoes. [27] Cumulus pileus clouds refer to cumulus clouds that have grown so rapidly as to force the formation of pileus over the top of the cloud. [28] Cumulus velum clouds have an ice crystal veil over the growing top of the cloud. [19]
Clouds form when the dew point temperature of water is reached in the presence of condensation nuclei in the troposphere. The atmosphere is a dynamic system, and the local conditions of turbulence, uplift, and other parameters give rise to many types of clouds. Various types of cloud occur frequently enough to have been categorized.
If limited-resolution satellite images of high clouds are analyzed without supporting data from direct human observations, distinguishing between individual forms or genus types becomes impossible, and they are collectively identified as high-type (or informally as cirrus-type, though not all high clouds are of the cirrus form or genus). [43]
Develops from cumulus clouds and can reach great heights, often associated with thunderstorms. Indicates severe weather, such as thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and sometimes tornadoes.
Cloud with limited vertical height with a length much bigger than their height: Cu Lenticularis: len: Lens or almond shaped clouds that are stationary in the sky: Sc, Ac, Cc Mediocris: med: Clouds of moderate height that are around equal height and length, growing upwards: Cu Nebulosus: neb: Featureless sheet of cloud with no structure: St, Cs ...