Content code
s1356
Slug (identifier)
identifying-clouds
Parent content
Precipitations and Acid Rains
Grades
Grade 3
Grade 4
Grade 5
Grade 6
Topic
Science and Technology
Tags
nuages
ciel
mauvais
cristaux
altitude
identification des nuages
types de nuages
cirro
alto
strato
cumulus
cirrus
stratus
altitude des nuages
troposphère
condensation de l'eau
formes des nuages
Content
Contenu
Content
Corps

A cloud is the phenomenon that can be observed when water vapour contained in the atmosphere cools and condenses.

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The formation of clouds is one of the most important stages in the water cycle. When water evaporates from the Earth’s surface, the vapour produced rises into the atmosphere where the temperature cools. In relation to this decrease in temperature, the water vapour enters a new phase and becomes liquid or solid depending on the temperature at which the phenomenon occurs. A cloud is thus made up of fine water droplets or even ice crystals resulting from the condensation of water vapour around particles suspended in the air, very often dust.

Clouds provide information about the weather; it is useful to identify them in order to make weather forecasts. Depending on their altitude, shape, and direction of their development (vertical or horizontal), clouds are classified into different types.
 

Image
clouds formation
Source
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cloud_types_fr.svg
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There are 10 main categories of clouds which are grouped into 4 classes according to the altitude at which the cloud forms. To designate the altitude, we therefore use the following prefixes.

Cirro-

High-level clouds occurring above 6 000 m

Alto-

Mid-level clouds occurring between 2 000 and 6 000 m

Strato-

Low-level clouds occurring below 2000 m

Cumulo-

Large vertically extended clouds

Furthermore, the appearances of some clouds are described by Latin names.

Stratus

Cloud that constitutes a greyish layer covering the entire sky and made up of fine water droplets

Cirrus

Separate cloud in the form of white filaments of fibrous or hairy appearance; composed of ice crystals

Cumulus

Cloud with well-defined contours, and a cauliflower-like upper part; it is bright white

Nimbus

Rain precursor cloud

By using these different terms and combining them, the 10 main categories of clouds can be described and identified.

Title (level 3)
Large Vertical Extent Clouds
Title slug (identifier)
extension
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Nuages

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Cumulus

Separate clouds, with well-defined contours, developing vertically. The upper part often takes the shape of a cauliflower. When the Sun shines on them, they are bright white.

Associated with good weather

Cumulonimbus

Heavy, large clouds so the tops are flattened and often spread out in an anvil shape. Usually accompanied by lightning and thunder.

Thunderstorms, heavy rain or snow showers, hail or sleet 
Title (level 3)
Low Altitude (Between Ground Level and 2000 m)
Title slug (identifier)
low-level
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Stratus

Continuous greyish layer with a fairly uniform base. Clouds that often obscure hill tops. Often accompanied by fog at the base.

Overcast, possibility of snow or drizzle

Nimbostratus

Grey clouds, often dark, occupying the entire sky and completely obscuring the Sun. Clouds puffy with rain or snow. Can also be found in the middle level.

Precursors of bad weather; rain or snow

Stratocumulus

Grey or whitish clouds of non-fibrous appearance and in the form of rolls. Poorly hide the Sun. Usually a cooling of the temperature follows. 

Low precipitation
Title (level 3)
Average Altitude (between 2000 and 6000 m)
Title slug (identifier)
mid-level
Corps

Nuages

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Altostratus

Cloudy, greyish or bluish sheet or layer of fibrous appearance covering the sky almost entirely. Form areas thin enough to show the Sun, but without a halo, like through frosted glass.

Precursors of bad weather

Altocumulus

A sheet of white or grey clouds arranged regularly, often in the form of rolls. Largely composed of water droplets. 

Little or no precipitation
Title (level 3)
High Altitude (over 6000 m)
Title slug (identifier)
high-level
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Nuages

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Nuages

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Cirrus

Detached clouds in the form of white fibrous or hair-like filaments. Composed of ice crystals.

Good weather

Cirro-stratus

Thin cloudy veil, transparent and whitish which generally produces halos in the sky around the Moon or the Sun. Often totally covering the sky.

Precursors of bad weather

Cirrocumulus

Very fine ripples, sheet or thin layer of white clouds without shadow. Composed of ice crystals. Appearance of wavy sand on a beach.

Before or after bad weather
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