How clouds are classified

How are clouds classified?

Clouds are created when water vapor in the air cools off, condenses and tiny droplets are formed.

Clouds can be classified based on form and altitude.

Cumulus clouds are puffy clouds that seem to just float along. However, these clouds can produce thunderstorms if they become a large cloud called a cumulonimbus cloud.

Stratus clouds are clouds that form in layers. These clouds may cover a large area and can often block out sunlight.

Cirrus clouds may appear like feathers and form when the wind is strong.

Clouds can also be classified based on altitude.

Many stratus clouds are found low. For example, stratocumulus, and nimbostratus clouds are found low in the atmosphere.

The prefix alto is used to describe clouds of middle altitude, and cirrus clouds are found very high in the atmosphere.

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