Cloud Identification and Naming

Introduction

• Lecture on how to identify and name clouds.
• Naming system developed by Luke Howard in 1802.
• Requires knowledge of cloud shape and height.
• Three shapes: Cumuliform, Stratiform, Cirroform.
• Three height categories: Low, Middle, High.

Cloud Shapes

Cumuliform

• Known as "heap clouds."
• Puffy appearance, resembling cotton or cauliflower.
• Wide variety in shape: taller than wide, wider than tall, etc.

Stratiform

• Known as "layered clouds."
• Appear like blankets covering the sky.
• Generally solid, gray without distinct features.

Cirroform

• Known as "wispy" clouds.
• Hairy, curly, with sometimes hooked ends.

Cloud Heights

Atmospheric Structure

• Troposphere: Layer of atmosphere where clouds form.
• Stratosphere above the troposphere.
• Average division between troposphere and stratosphere is around 7 miles above ground.

Height Categories

• High Clouds: Prefix "Cirro-"
• Middle Clouds: Prefix "Alto-"
• Low Clouds: No prefix

Cloud Types

Cumuliform Clouds

• Cumulus: Low, puffy clouds often seen in summer.
• Altocumulus: Mid-level, smaller puffy clouds, often in patterns.
• Cirrocumulus: High-level, tiny and thin clouds, may form patterns.
• Cumulonimbus: Thunderstorm clouds, vertical, with potential precipitation.

Stratiform Clouds

• Stratus: Low, gray sky where the sun is not visible.
• Nimbostratus: Precipitating stratus clouds, continuous precipitation.
• Altostratus: Mid-level, allows sun to appear as a fuzzy ball.
• Cirrostratus: High, thin clouds made of ice crystals, often with a halo around the sun or moon.

Cirroform Clouds

• Cirrus: High, thin, wispy clouds made entirely of ice.

Special Cloud Types

Lenticular Clouds

• Disc-shaped clouds often formed over mountains.
• May appear in stacks or chains.
• Often mistaken for UFOs.

Mammatus Clouds

• Form on the underside of cumulonimbus clouds.
• Appear as sinking blobs of cold air, often after thunderstorms.

Conclusion

• Luke Howard's system includes 10 main cloud types.
• Additional types: Lenticular and Mammatus.
• Future lectures to cover humidity and cloud formation processes.