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Types Of Clouds
There are three general cloud types. If you were to look
into the sky this very minute, you might see a cloud that doesn't look like the
stratus, cumulus or cirrus clouds described below. Clouds are a combination and
variations of the three general types. Some variations of the three general
types are altocumulus and alto stratus. To learn to identify these other cloud
types can be an enjoyable pastime.
- Stratus Clouds
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The word stratus comes from the Latin word that means
"to spread out." Stratus clouds are horizontal, layered clouds that stretch
out across the sky like a blanket. Sometimes a layer of warm, moist air
passes over a layer of cool air. Stratus clouds often form at the boundary
where these layers meet. Where two such layers of air meet, the warm air is
cooled. If the warm air is cooled below its dew point, the excess water
vapor condenses to form a blanket - like layer of stratus clouds. If the
layers of air are very large, the stratus clouds may extend for many
kilometers across the sky.
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- Cumulus Clouds
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The word cumulus comes from the Latin word for a heap
or a pile. Cumulus clouds are puffy in appearance. They look like large
cotton balls. Cumulus clouds usually form when warm, moist air is forced
upward. As this air rises, it is cooled. If it is cooled below its dew -
point temperature, condensation will occur. The size of a cumulus cloud
depends on the force of the upward movement of air and the amount of
moisture in the air. The largest cumulus clouds are caused by very strong
upward movements of warm, moist air. The clouds that produce heavy
thunderstorms in summer are a form of cumulus clouds called cumulonimbus.
Cumulonimbus clouds may extend upward for hundreds of meters.
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- Cirrus Clouds
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Cirrus clouds are a third general type of cloud. The
word cirrus comes from the Latin word for a tuft or curl of hair. Cirrus
clouds are very wispy and feathery looking. They form only at high
altitudes, about 7 km above the earth's surface. Cirrus clouds are composed
of ice crystals and are so thin that sunlight can pass right through them.
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