Question

Describe the various types of clouds.

Answer 1

The four types of clouds are :

1. Cirrus clouds - These are feathery, fibrous clouds which form at very high levels of 5 to 10 km. They consist of tiny crystals of ice and look like wisps of cotton floating in the sky.
2. Cumulus clouds - These are cauliflower-shaped clouds that have great vertical height and a flat base; they cause rainfall with lightning and thunder and are usually white or grey in colour.
3. Stratus clouds - These are sheet-like clouds that spread out over the whole sky. They usually form at low levels, less than 2 km. They are uniformly grey and dull.
4. Nimbus clouds - These are the real rain clouds – thick, dark and black, and spread out in layers. They cause continuous rain or snow.