Clouds are classified primarily by two key factors: their height above the ground and their appearance or texture. This system uses a combination of root words to describe the various cloud types.
Cloud Classification Factors
Here’s a breakdown of the factors used in cloud classification:
1. Height Above Ground
Cloud height is divided into three main categories:
- High Clouds: These clouds are found at higher altitudes in the atmosphere.
- Prefix used: Cirro- (meaning "curl of hair," indicating their wispy appearance and high altitude).
- Mid-Level Clouds: These clouds are located at middle altitudes.
- Prefix used: Alto- (meaning "mid").
- Low Clouds: These clouds are found at lower altitudes, closer to the ground.
- Prefix used: Strato- (meaning "layer," indicating their layered appearance at lower altitudes).
2. Appearance/Texture
The way a cloud looks or its texture also plays a vital role in its classification:
- Layered Clouds: These clouds appear as sheets or layers across the sky.
- Prefix used: Strato-
- Heaped or Puffy Clouds: These clouds appear as individual masses with distinct outlines, like piles of cotton.
- Prefix used: Cumulo- (meaning "heap").
- Precipitating Clouds: Clouds that produce rain or other forms of precipitation.
- Prefix used: Nimbo- (meaning "rain, precipitation").
Cloud Root Words and Meanings
| Root Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Cirro- | Curl of hair, high |
| Alto- | Mid |
| Strato- | Layer |
| Nimbo- | Rain, precipitation |
| Cumulo- | Heap |
Putting it Together
By combining these prefixes, you get the names of various cloud types. For example:
- Cirrostratus: High, layered clouds.
- Altocumulus: Mid-level, heaped clouds.
- Nimbostratus: Low, layered clouds producing precipitation.
- Cumulonimbus: Heaped, precipitation-producing clouds often associated with thunderstorms.
Understanding these factors allows for a more comprehensive view and classification of cloud types.
