ATM OCN (Meteorology) 100 - Lecture 3

CLOUD TYPES & CLOUD CLASSIFICATION

Lecture 3 - Fall 1997

Lecture #12 Scheduled for:

29 SEP1997 (M)

Recommended Readings from Moran and Morgan (1997):

pages 164-175.

Objectives:

• To discuss the basis and criteria for the classification of clouds.
• To identify the major cloud types based upon their form and height.
• To distinguish between warm clouds and cold clouds in both composition and appearance.

Outline:

A. INTRODUCTION

• What can be learned from clouds?
• How are clouds classified?

B. OBSERVATIONAL MEASUREMENTS OF CLOUDS

• Cloud Amount or Sky Cover
• Cloud Heights and Ceilings

C. CLOUD TYPES - CLOUD CLASSIFICATION SCHEME

• Historical
• Basis for Modern Traditional Cloud Classification Scheme
• The Nature of Cloud Types
• Identification Aids
• Specific Cloud Types

D. THE GALLERY OF CLOUD TYPES

• Layer (Stratiform) Clouds
  • High Level
    • Cirrus, Cirrostratus, Cirrocumulus
  • Mid Level
    • Altocumulus, Altostratus
  • Low Level
    • Stratus, Nimbostratus
• Vertically Developed (Cumuliform) Clouds
  • Cumulus, Cumulonimbus
• Other Special and Interesting Clouds
  • Cumulus Congestus
  • Mamma
  • Wave (lenticular) Clouds
  • Contrails
• Fog
  • Radiation Fog
  • Advection Fog
  • Steam Fog

D. CLOUD CLIMATOLOGY

• Geographical variation of clouds
• Seasonal variation of clouds

Links to Other References:

Some cloud pictures can be found on the Internet through the following sites:

• The cloud type module from WW2010 (Univ. of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign)
• Plymouth State College (PSU) Meteorology Program Cloud Boutique
• Observing clouds - Instructional Materials for grades K-5 from Athena

Last revision 14 October 1997

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