Ch 7 - Cloud Classification Flashcards
Cumulus General Characteristics
Heaped
Unstable
Stratus General Characteristics
Stable
Flat/Wide/Layered
Cirrus General Characteristics
Whispy/Feathery
High altitude
Low Level Cloud
Strato Prefix
Surface - 6500ft (2000m)
Medium Level Clouds
Alto Prefix
6500ft - 23,000ft
Highest Level Cloud
Cirro Prefix
16,500-45,000
Stratus (St)
Stable and Layered
Comp: Water Droplets
Description:
- Grey cloud layer, uniform base
- Sometimes appears as ragged patches
Nimbostratus (NS)
Mainly water droplets ice crystals sometimes
Thick, dense, grey cloud layer adjacent to a warm front
Cont. RA/SN Ice pellets
Mod-Sev turbulence
Can go up 2 layers
Cumulus (CU)
Water droplets and ice crystals
Detached, heaped clouds with dense sharp outlines and they develop vertically
SHRA SHSN snow pellets
Can develop in CB
Mod - Sev Turb
Stratocumulus (SC)
Water droplets
Grey and white patch sheet/layer of cloud with darker areas
RA FZRA SG Snow Pellets Int. RA/SN
Can turn into cumulus
Light to moderate turbulence
Cumulonimbus (CB)
Water droplets and Ice Crystals
Heavy, dense, large vertical extent
Base flat and dark
Thunderstorms
RA SHSN Snow Pellets
Mod-Sev Turb
Altostratus (AS)
Water droplets and ice crystals
Grey/white sheet of uniform
Fibrous with total or partial cover and can revel sun
Merges with NS
Cont./Intermittent RA/SN ice pellets
Nil - Slight Turb
Altocumulus (AC)
Water droplets and ice crystals
White/Grey patch/sheet/layer with rounded masses or rolls
-DZ FZDZ SG Int. RA/SN
Nil - slight
Cirrostratus (CS)
Ice crystals
Transparent white veil, fibrous / smooth
PRODUCES HALO
Nil - Slight
Cirrus (CI)
Ice crystals
Detached white delicate fibres or white patches
Nil - Slight