Clouds

Moisture content of the atmosphere governs

degree of stability and occurrence of
precipitation
Shape, structure, texture and patterns of
clouds express kinds of air movements
responsible for their development

recent analysis of clouds has greatly enhanced our

understanding of weather systems and con-comitant
rainfall patterns
ENVS 210: 2007

www.ukzn.ac.za/sespmb

Cloud Forms

Stratiform layers of cloud formed by
widespread ascent

Cumuliform form as air rises by convection

Cirriform fibrous cloud composed of ice
crystals

Cloud Types

High Clouds
Medium Clouds
Low Clouds
Fog
Multi-Level Clouds
Orographic Clouds

- above 18 000ft
- 7000 to 18 000ft
- below 7000ft
- ground level
- thick vert span
- mountain form

Cloud Types

High Level

Cirrus

Cirrostratus

Cirrocumulus

Middle Level

Altostratus
Altocumulus
Nimbostratus

Low Level

Stratocumulus
Stratus
Cumulus

Cirrus Lock of hair

Stratus Layer
Altum Height
Cumulus Heaped
Nimbus Rain bearing

High Clouds
Cirrus (Ci)

Shape due to wind shear

White, delicate filaments, fibrous /
silky appearance
Composed of ice crystals
Isolated cirrus clouds often indicate
a stable situation and do not bring
precipitation
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

High Clouds
Cirrocumulus (Cc)

Formed by convection
Develops from cirrus or cirrostratus
Thin white patchy, sheet or layer-like
in appearance with small elements
(grains / ripples)
CC clouds are often associated with a
front but do cause precipitation
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

High Clouds
Cirrostratus (Cs)

Widespread upper-level ascent

Transparent whitish veil may
cover whole sky
Commonly produce a halo
CS clouds are often translucent
and do not bring precipitation
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Middle Clouds
Altocumulus (Ac)
Formed by convection / wave
flow near mountains
Variable in appearance
continuous linear bands or
patchy
White or grey or both white &
grey
Ac is not usually associated with
a front but can still bring rain
(light showers) or snow
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Middle Clouds
Altostratus (As)

Widespread ascent
Grey, featureless sheet or layer cloud
Covers whole / part of the sky
Sun shines weakly
As usually associated with a weather
front and can bring rain or snow
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Middle Clouds
Nimbostratus (Ns)
Widespread ascent
Dark grey cloud layer
Dense / thick enough to hide
sun or moon
Base indistinct as a result of
continuous rain or snow
NS tend to bring rain or snow
almost continuous
Can also be classed as Multi
Layer clouds
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Low Clouds
Stratocumulus (Sc)

Spreading out of cumulus

Turbulent mixing under stable
layer
Grey or white layer with darker
areas
Sc produce occasional light rain
and drizzle
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Low Clouds
Stratus (St)

Low-level ascent or cooling

Grey uniform in colour
May be continuous or patchy
Resemble fog, but not on the ground
May cover tops of mountains or hills
ST often produces drizzle
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Low
Clouds
Cumulus (Cu)
Formed by convection, surface

Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

heating and instability

Detached cloud, develops vertically
upwards in the form of turrets,
towers
Sunlit parts are bright white
Base nearly horizontal, relatively
dark
Size depends on stage of
development
CU can produce stormy conditions
with showers of rain, snow from
large cumulus

Low Clouds

Fog / mist

Can be classed as Stratus

clouds in contact with the
ground

Multi level Clouds

Nimbostratus (Ns)

Can also be classed as

Medium level loud
NS tend to bring constant
precipitation
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Multi level Clouds

Formed by

Cumulonimbus (Cb)

convection, surface
heating and
instability
Bulging dense
cloud mass
Base dark and
stormy looking
Thunder and
lightning common
Tallest of all clouds
and have anvil
shaped tops
Bring showers of
rain, snow or hail
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp

Multi level Clouds

Mammatus

Resembles mammary glands

of mammals
High instability and extreme
weather

Orographic Clouds

Cap Clouds

Formed when moist air

is forced up mountain
slopes

Orographic Clouds

Lenticular Clouds
Lens shaped clouds
form from strong winds
flowing over rugged
terrain

Specialty Clouds

Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) instability waves
Formed from
strong wind
shear
Atmospheric
resonance

Specialty
Clouds

Contrails

Vapor from jet

exhausts
Vapor turns into ice
crystals