Without a doubt, the unique phenomenon that can be observed in the lower layer of the Earth’s atmosphere is, of course, clouds. A variety of forms and types of clouds just can not help but delight. It would seem like clouds that are not alike, can be classified? It turns out you can! And very simple. You probably yourself have repeatedly noticed that some clouds form very high in the sky, while others are much lower in the background. It turns out that different clouds form in the sky at different heights. Those types of clouds, which are almost invisible, have a translucent color and the shape of the threads, moving along the Sun or Moon, practically do not weaken their light. And those that are lower have a denser structure and almost completely hide the moon and the sun.
How are clouds formed? As we have already said, clouds are air, or rather warm air, which rises from the earth's surface with water vapor. Reaching a certain height, the air cools, and the steam is converted into water. Of this, in fact, are the clouds.
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 - are formed at an altitude of 70-90 km from the surface of the earth. They are a fairly thin layer that is barely noticeable against the sky at night.
- Mother of pearl clouds - are located at an altitude of 20-30 km. Such clouds form relatively rarely. They can be seen before the sun rises, or when it is already going beyond the horizon.
- Cirrus - are located at an altitude of 7-10 km. Thin white clouds that look like tangled or parallel threads.
- Cirrostratus clouds - are located at a distance of 6-8 km from the ground. They are a shroud of white or blue.
- Cirrocumulus - also located at an altitude of 6-8 km. Thin white clouds that look like a flock of flakes.
- Altocumulus clouds - 2-6 km. Weakly transparent layer of clouds in the form of waves of white, gray or blue. From this type of clouds, light rainfall is possible.
- Highly layered - 3-5 ka above the ground. They are a gray shroud, sometimes fibrous in appearance. Of these, light rain or snow may fall.
- Stratocumulus clouds - 0.3-1.5 km. This is a layer with a clearly distinguishable structure, similar to a plate or wave. From these clouds, small precipitation falls in the form of snow or rain.
- Layered clouds - are located at an altitude of 0.5-0.7 km. Homogeneous, opaque layer of gray color.
- Layered rain - located at an altitude of 0, -1.0 km from the ground. Continuous, opaque shroud of dark gray color. From such clouds it is snowing or raining.
- Cumulus clouds - 0.8-1.5 km. They have a gray, flat-looking base and dense domed peaks of white color. As a rule, there is no rainfall from this type of cloud.
- Cumulonimbus clouds - 0.4-1.0 km. It is a whole array of clouds, which has a dark blue base and white top. Such clouds bring precipitation - showers, thunderstorms, hail or snow pellets.
Whenever possible, peer into the sky, and you will very soon learn to distinguish not only forms, but also types of clouds.
