Clouds Flashcards
What are the 2 main cloud types
- Heaped
- Layered
What are the prefix name types of clouds and their associated level in feet
Low Level | name only | <= 6500 ft
Medium Level | Alto | 6500 ft < 23,000 ft
High Level | Cirro | 16,500 ft < 45,000 ft
What does NIMBO mean
RAIN BEARING
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
STRATUS
- Colour
- Base
- Visibility
- Stability
Grey sheet
based can be very low
Visibility poor over large areas
Stable (little turbulence)
ST
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
Nimbostratus
- Colour
- Base
- Visibility
- Stability
- Front
- Rain
Thick dark grey
Indistinct base
Visbility poor over large areas
Stable with a lot of moisture
Associated with warm fronts
Prolonged heavy rain
NS
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
ALTOSTRATUS
- Colour
- Base
- Vertical thickness
- Turbulence
Thin white/light grey
Clearly defined base
Little vertical extent
Little turbulence
AS
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
CIRROSTRATUS
- Visibility
- Indication
Transparent veil high cloud
Produces Halo effect
Usually sign of approach weather front
CS
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
CUMULUS
- Definition
- Appearance
- Height characteristics
- Turbulence
Well defined
Detached, but can be embedded in other clouds
Varying heights, capable of rapid growth
Can be Turbulent inside
CU
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
STRATOCUMULUS
- Type
- Cover
- Turbulence
Hybrid cloud
Large patches of widespread layer
Usually turbulent
SC
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
ALTOCUMULUS
- Colour
- Rain
Grey or white patchy cloud
Percipitation possible
Virga
AC
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
CIRROCUMULUS
- Appearance
Not common
Mackerel Sky
“flakey”
CC
What is the definition of the following cloud type, and its code
CUMULONIMBUS
- Height characteristics
- Weather
- Turbulence
- Other information
Large vertical extent
Thunderstorms
Severe turbulence / Wind Shear / Icing
Lightening
MUST BE AVOIDED
CB
What is the formula is used to estimate the cloud base
(TEMP - DEW POINT) x 400
What is condensation relient on
SMALL NUCLEUS
Cloud formation not gauranteed if parcel of air reaches dew point if there are no particulates for the condensation to form against (Nucleus)
What type of cloud formation does the following define;
Warm air rising
Sun heats the ground
Heated ground heats parcel of air
Warm parcel of air rises
CONVECTION