Types of clouds: what are they?

Without a doubt, a unique phenomenon that can be observed in the lower layer of the Earth's atmosphere is, of course, clouds. Various forms and types of clouds simply can not help admiring. It would seem, as it is not similar to each other clouds, you can classify? It turns out you can! And very simple. You probably noticed more than once that some clouds form very high in the sky, while others against their background are much lower. It turns out that different clouds form in the sky at different heights. Those kinds of clouds that are almost not noticeable, have a translucent color and the shape of the filaments, moving along the Sun or the Moon, practically do not weaken their light. And those that are below have a more dense structure and almost completely hide the Moon and the Sun.

How do clouds form? As we have already said, clouds are air, more precisely warm air, which rises from the earth's surface with water vapor. Coming to a certain height, the air is cooled, and the steam is converted into water. From this, in fact, clouds are composed.

But why does the shape and types of clouds depend? And it depends on the height at which the cloud formed and the temperature that is there. Let us consider in more detail the different types of clouds.

- Silvery - formed at an altitude of 70-90 km from the surface of the earth. They represent a fairly thin layer, which is barely visible against the sky at night.

- Pearlescent clouds - are at an altitude of 20-30 km. Such clouds are relatively rare. They can be seen before the Sun rises, or when it will already go beyond the horizon.

- Cirrus - located at an altitude of 7-10 km. Thin clouds are white, which look like tangled or parallel threads.

- Feather-layered clouds - are located at a distance of 6-8 km from the earth. They are a white or blue shroud.

- Peristocumulus - also located at an altitude of 6-8 km. Thin clouds are white, which look like a flock of flakes.

- Altocumulus clouds - 2-6 km. Weakly-translucent layer of clouds in the form of waves of white, gray or blue. From this type of clouds, precipitation of weak precipitation is possible.

- High-layered - 3-5 ka above the ground. They represent a veil of gray color, sometimes fibrous in appearance. Of these, rain or snow may fall out.

- Stratocumulus clouds - 0.3-1.5 km. It is a layer with a well-distinguishable structure, similar to a plate or a wave. Of these clouds, small precipitations appear in the form of snow or rain.

- Layered clouds - are at an altitude of 0.5-0.7 km. Homogeneous, opaque layer of gray color.

- Layered-rain - are at an altitude of 0, -1.0 km from the ground. A continuous, opaque veil of dark gray color. From such clouds snow or rain.

- Cumulus clouds - 0,8-1,5 km. They have a gray, flat-looking bottom and dense domes of white color. As a rule, there is no precipitation from this type of cloud.

- Cumulonimbus clouds - 0,4-1,0 km. It is a whole array of clouds, with a dark blue base and a white top. Such clouds bring precipitation - showers, thunderstorms, hail or snow croup.

Whenever possible, peer into the sky, and you will very soon learn to distinguish not only forms, but also types of clouds.