Clouds Flashcards
What are the 4 groups of cloud called?
Curriform (whispy)
Cumuliform (heaped)
Stratiform (layered)
Nimbus (rain bearing)
What is a high level cloud?
Base is at 20,000ft or above
What is a medium level cloud?
Base is between 6,500 and 20,000ft
What is a low level cloud?
Base is below 6,500ft
What does ‘cirrus’ tell us about the cloud?
It is a high level cloud (+20,000ft base)
What does ‘alto’ tell us about the cloud?
It is a mid level cloud (6,500-20,000ft base)
What is a Ci cloud?
Cirrus
High level
Whispy clouds
What is a cirrus cloud?
High level whispy
What does Ci stand for?
Cirrus
What is a Cc cloud?
Cirrocumulus
High level
Thin white ripples/waves
What does Cc stand for?
Cirrocumulus
What is a Cs cloud?
Cirrostratus
High level
Transparent white sheet, makes a halo round the sun
What level is a Cs cloud?
High level (base above 20,000ft)
What level is a Cc cloud?
High level (base above 20,000ft)
What level is a Ci cloud?
High level (base above 20,000ft)
What does ‘alto’ tell us about the cloud?
It is mid level (base between 6,500 and 20,000ft)
At is an Ac cloud?
Altocumulus
Mid level
Broken white globular masses
What is an altocumulus cloud?
Mid level
White globular masses
What does Ac stand for?
Altocumulus
What is an As cloud?
Altostratus
Mid level
Layer of grey/blue that covers the sky
Can rain or snow
What type of cloud is curriform?
Whispy
Why type of cloud is cumuliform?
Heaped
What type of cloud is stratiform?
Layered
What type of cloud is nimbus?
Rain bearing
What is a Ns cloud?
Nimbostratus
Low level
Dark grey, thick cloud
Constant rain and severe turbulence
What is a Nimbostratus cloud?
Thick dark grey cloud causing heavy rain and severe turbulence