Types of CloudsHigh clouds-Above 6000m, temps < 0℃

Cirroculumus: rippled appearance

Cirrus: wispy appearance

Cirrostratus: continuous layer (transparent or dense)

Middle clouds-Between 2000m- 6000mTypically layered

Altocumulus: white or gray, large roundish masses in wavy rows

Altostratus: grayish, dense enough to block out moon or sunlight

Low clouds-Below 2000m

Cumulus: puffy, lumpy looking

Stratus: can cover much of the sky, nimbostratus produce precipitation

Precipitation

Cloud droplets must grow to 1 million times their volume for precipitation to form

The type of precipitation that falls depends on the temperature profile in the lowest kilometers of the atmosphere.