How many cloud types are there?
There are ten different
cloud types, which are classified by their shape and height. Meteorologists
use the same Latin-based classification system as for animals and plants genus,
species
and variety.
The three basic cloud
forms are:
Cumulus heap clouds
Stratus layer clouds
Cirrus hair-like or feathery clouds.
These words or variants
occur in the compound names for the other seven major types. There is
some overlap between the families. Cirrostratus and cirrocumulus are respectively
members of the stratiform and cumuliform groups as well as the cirrus
family.
The cumulus-like
family
consists of:
- Cumulus
- Stratocumulus
- Altocumulus
- Cirrocumulus
- Cumulonimbus
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The
stratus family
consists of:
- Stratus
- Nimbostratus
- Altostratus
- Cirrostratus
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The cirrus
family
consists of:
- Cirrus
- Cirrocumulus
- Cirrostratus
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Using the meanings of the Latin names as a guide, can you identify
what these clouds might be?
Roll over the images below to find out the answers
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Weather Instruments 
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