There are many different types of clouds but the 4 main types are: Stratus (low clouds), Alto (middle clouds), Cirrus (high clouds), and Cumulus (clouds with vertical development.
1. Stratus Clouds
-Stratus clouds are the lowest, usually below 6,000 feet. They are large grayish clouds that usually cover a lot of the sky. There is usually no precipitation associated with stratus clouds. They resemble fog that hasn't reached the ground.
-Nimbostratus clouds are the other type of stratus cloud that are a darker gray and usually
produce light rain or snow. It is usually hard to see the edges of this cloud.
2. Alto Clouds
-Altocumulus clouds made up of water droplets and are found at usually 6,500 to 23,000 feet. They are grey or white, puffy, and can appear in waves or bands. One part of the cloud usually appears darker than the rest. They are associated with thunderstorms.
-Altostratus clouds are made up of water droplets and ice crystals and tend to be grey to blue-gray in color. They are usually thin and cover most of the sky. They also precede storms that will have lots of precipitation.
3. Cirrus clouds
-Cirrostratus clouds are very thin clouds that allow the sun and moon light to penetrate through them. They are found usually above 20,000 feet. The clouds are usually white and are associated with good weather.
-Cirrocumulus clouds are groups of small little puffy clouds that appear as little splotches in the sky. Because they can resemble fish scales they have gotten the nickname of "mackerel sky". These clouds are usually seen in winter time and indicate good but cold weather.
4. Cumulus Clouds
-Cumulus clouds are large puffy clouds that usually have a flat base. They are the stereotypical white, fluffy, & cottony cloud.
-Cumulonimbus clouds are cumulus clouds that grow vertically and become very tall. These clouds are typically thunderstorm clouds but are also associated with lightning, thunder, and tornadoes.
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