3 types of clouds names. See table below for full names and classification. This module introduces several cloud groups. Plus, learn what each type tells about the weather. Here you can learn about what they're made of, how they form and how they are classified. But all clouds look a little bit different from one another, and sometimes these differences can help us predict a change in the weather. All clouds are made up of basically the same thing: water droplets or ice crystals that float in the sky. May 6, 2025 · Learn to recognize and name the basic cloud types based on a cloud's shape and height in the sky. The classification of clouds into types was first proposed by Luke Howard in 1802 and we largely use the same system today. Further classification identifies clouds by height of cloud base. Or download and print out this chart (also available en Español) High Altitude Cirrocumulus – High clouds with a puffy, patchy appearance and small spaces between clouds. Alternatively, clouds get names from their height: high (cirrus or ciro-), middle (alto-), low (stratus, strato-), and multilevel (cumulus, cumulo-, nimbo-). Aug 29, 2015 · Here’s a rundown of the different types of clouds, along with photos of each kind and what these clouds can tell you about what’s happening with the weather. The first three groups are identified based upon their height above the ground. Cirrostratus – High clouds, light gray or white, often thin with the May 8, 2013 · Clouds form in three basic patterns or classifications: cirrus, stratus and cumulus. Feb 18, 2025 · Learn about different types of clouds with pictures, names, shapes, and weather effects to identify them easily. Aug 11, 2025 · All clouds are made up of basically the same thing: water droplets or ice crystals that float in the sky. The three main types of high clouds are cirrus May 6, 2025 · Learn to recognize and name the basic cloud types based on a cloud's shape and height in the sky. Apr 27, 2022 · The names come from Latin words. This splits clouds into three main types - stratus, cumulus and cirrus. ” Due to cold tropospheric temperatures at these levels, the clouds primarily are composed of ice crystals, and often appear thin, streaky, and white (although a low sun angle, e. , near sunset, can create an array of color on the clouds). Here’s a list of some of the most common cloud types you might spot in the sky: Oct 12, 2023 · There are 10 primary types of clouds on Earth. For example, cloud names containing the prefix "cirr-", as in cirrus clouds, are located at high levels while cloud names with the prefix "alto-", as in altostratus, are found at middle levels. The fourth Oct 15, 2024 · Read the list below to learn about the different types of clouds, what they look like and where they appear in the sky. g. Aug 14, 2018 · As an observer standing on the ground and looking up into the sky, you'll see three basic types of clouds: cirrus, stratus and cumulus. Here’s a list of some of the most common cloud types you might spot in the sky: High Clouds (16,500-45,000 feet) Cloud chart showing major tropospheric cloud types identified by standard two-letter abbreviations and grouped by altitude and form. Often form wave-like patterns. High-level clouds: High-level clouds occur above about 20,000 feet and are given the prefix “cirro. Four common types are cumulus, stratus, nimbus, and cirrus. . hdwwm jci vmg mxbuxjw ybq tltmrb gzuoa clah kcppsmlf alk