Identifying Clouds

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There are 2 basic forms clouds can take. Being aware of the "basic form" can greatly assist in cloud identification. These are "Stratiform" - clouds formed in horizontal sheets or layers and "Cumuliform" - simply put "cauliflower" clouds greater vertical development.

There are many different variations of of these basic forms in our skies. They can be one of 10 main types.

Cloud Type	Common Height	Comments
Stratus	500-1200 ft 150-600 metres	Sometimes down to surface level Sometimes as high as 4000ft (1200m)
Stratocumulus	2000-5000 ft 600-1500 metres	Sometimes as low as 500 ft (150 m) Sometimes as high as 8000ft (2400m)
Cumulus	2000-5000ft 600-1500 metres	Sometimes as low as 1000 ft (300 m) Sometimes as high as 8000-10,000ft (2400m-3000m)
Cumulonimbus	2000-5000ft 600-1500 metres	Sometimes as high as 20,000 ft (6000m)
Nimbostratus	500-8500 ft 150-2500 metres
Altostratus Altocumulus	8500-20,000 ft 2500-6000 metres
Cirrus Cirrocumulus Cirrostratus	20,000-40,000 ft 6000-12,000 metres

Cloud Groups and Images

The 10 main types listed in the table above are further sorted into 3 groups, each group representing a height range. Clicking on the links below will take you to a page with examples of the cloud types

• High Cloud - above 20,000 ft (6000 metres) (click for images)
  • Three main types
  1. Cirrocumulus (Cc)
  2. Cirrostratus (Cs)
  3. Cirrus (Ci)
• Middle Cloud - 8500-20,000ft (2500-6000 metres) (click for images)
  • Three main Types
  1. Altostratus (As)
  2. Nimbostratus (Ns)
  3. Altocumulus (Ac)
• Low Cloud - Surface to 8500 ft (2500 metres) (click for images)
  • Four main types
  1. Cumulonimbus (Cb)
  2. Cumulus (Cu)
  3. Stratocumulus (Sc)
  4. Stratus (St)

 

Source of information on this page - "Observing the weather" BOM Handbook.