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 - above 18 000ft

Medium Clouds - 7000 to 18 000ft

Low Clouds - below 7000ft

Fog - ground level

Multi-Level Clouds - thick vert span

Orographic Clouds - mountain form
 Cloud Types

High Level

Cirrus
Cirrus Lock of hair

Cirrostratus

Cirrocumulus Stratus Layer
Altum Height

Middle Level

Altostratus Cumulus Heaped

Altocumulus
Nimbus Rain bearing

Nimbostratus

Low Level

Stratocumulus

Stratus

Cumulus
 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
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
Source: http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp
http://www.weathersa.co.za/References/Clouds.jsp 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
Resembles mammary glands

Mammatus of mammals
High instability and extreme
weather
 Orographic Clouds
Formed when moist air

Cap Clouds 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