GRG T3 - Simple Clouds

Cirrus

Cirrus

(H) Wispy streamers, waves, or masses. Mostly ice crystals.

High

Cirrus Region

Cirrocumulus

(H) Small white puffs with rippled (fish scales) appearance, occurring in rows or individually. Indicate instability.

High

Cirrocumulus Region

Cirrostratus

(H) Thin, translucent, sheet-like layer of clouds. Often covers the whole sky and produces a “halo” effect around the sun. Fair weather.

High

Cirrostratus Region

Altocumulus

(M) Gray, puffy cloud masses (often darker bases). Referred to as “rising castles”, and indicate instability.

Middle

Altocumulus Region

Altostratus

(M) Gray to blue (NEVER white) cloud usually covering the entire sky. Often forms in advance of storms, and doesn’t cast shadows.

Middle

Altostratus Region

Stratus

(L) Uniform gray cloud layer than can cover portions of or the entire sky. Produces light drizzle or snow, and is known as fog when touching the ground.

Low

Stratus Region

Stratocumulus

(L) Lumpy cloud layer with large puffs: appearing in rows, patches, or rounded masses with “breaks” where the sky is visible. High color range.

Low

Stratocumulus Region

Nimbostratus

(L) Dark grey, wet-looking cloud characterized by continuously falling precipitation. No lightning/hail. Sun/moon not visible.

Low

Nimbostratus Region

Cumulus

(VE) Dense, well-defined cloud in the form of individual domes and/or towers. Flatter bases, bulging “puff-like” tops. Indicate rising air motions, generally fair weather.

Vertical Extent

Cumulus Region

Cumulonimbus

(VE) Large, towering clouds with “anvil” shape accompanied by thunder, lighting, and rain. Cirrus clouds often collect on top.

Vertical Extent

Cumulonimbus Region