Section 4.5 Cloud classification
The classification scheme first developed by Luke Howard in 1803 is still generally applied today. Clouds are classified by their form (vertical extent) and by their altitude.
Form
cirro- (wispy)
strato- (layered)
cumulo- (convective)
nimbo- (precipitating)
Altitude
high (cirro-): cirrus, cirrostratus, cirrocumulus
middle (alto-): altocumulus, altostratus, nimbostratus
low: cumulus, stratus, stratocumulus, cumulonimbus
altitude | vertical | layered | mixed/other | precipitating |
high | cirrocumulus | cirrostratus | cirrus | -- |
middle | altocumulus | altostratus | -- | nimbostratus |
low | cumulus | stratus | stratocumulus | cumulonimbus |