Lessons and Modules
Introduction to Clouds
What Kinds of Clouds Are Produced in a Storm?
Scientists do not know exactly which types of clouds predominate in different storms. Clouds have traditionally been classified by their appearance and height in the atmosphere. This traditional classification system is shown in the table below. Inspect the table and indicate, using the menu provided below it, three types of clouds that might commonly be seen as a storm system passes overhead. Click on each image to view a larger version thereof.
cirrus* |
cirrostratus* |
deep convective* |
altocumulus* |
altostratus |
nimbostratus* |
cumulus* |
stratocumulus* |
stratus |
|
* Image from the University of Illinois WW2010 Project. |
Which three types of clouds are commonly seen as a storm system passes overhead?
Discuss your choices with your instructor before proceeding. Make a note of your hypothesis for later reference. Go on to predict the major cloud types you think might expect to see during the passage of a storm system.
• Letter to Researchers
• Explore Two Extreme Cloud Types
• Clouds Produced in a Storm
• Predict Storm Cloud Percentages
• How Climate Researchers Classify Clouds
• How Can We Study Clouds?
• Studying Clouds from Space
• From Satellite Data to Images of Clouds
• Accessing NASA Satellite Imaging Data
• Analyzing Midlatitude Storm Cloud Types
• Interpreting and Communicating Results
• Authors and Contributors