What causes clouds to be different types?
I understand all the cloud types I just don't get what causes them to be different and what factors help develop each type.
I understand all the cloud types I just don't get what causes them to be different and what factors help develop each type.
1 Answer
Stability, temperature and height.
Explanation:
The main differentiating factor for cloud types is atmospheric stability. Cumuliform cloud is formed in unstable atmospheric conditions and stratiform clouds are formed in stable conditions.
Cumulus, Towering Cumulus, Cumulonimbus, Altocumulus Castellanus and Cirrocumulus clouds are all forms of cumuliform cloud. They have all to some extend vertical development. A cumulus cloud maybe 2000 feet thick while a Cumulonimbus could be as much as 40,000 feet thick or more. Towering Cumulus is a stage between cumulus and cumulonimbus.
Stratus, stratocumulus, altostratus and cirrostratus clouds all have great horizontal extent but very little vertical extent. These clouds more in more stable air.
Temperature and height work together to determine the type of cloud as well. The higher the cloud the colder the cloud. So the difference between Towering Cumulus and Altocumulus Castellanus is the height of the cloud base (alto clouds are mid level clouds). Cirrostratus cloud is stratus cloud that is so high and cold that it is no longer liquid water but ice crystals.
