Cloud Identification ChartHI

GHM

IDLO

W

Altit

ude

of C

loud

Bas

e

6 km

4 km

5 km

3 km

2 km

1 km

Short-Lived

Contrails

Cirrus

Altostratus

Persistent Spreading

Cirrostratus

Persistent Non-Spreading

Cirrocumulus

Altocumulus

Fog/Stratus Stratocumulus Cumulus

Nimbostratus

Precipitating

Cumulonimbus

Nimbostratus clouds produce light rain or

a steady drizzle, while cumulonimbus clouds produce intense storms.

Clouds are categorized by height and shape.

Stratocumulus clouds look like a lumpy blanket.

Stratus CumulusLooks like a

sheet or blanket.Looks like cotton or cauliflower.

2019

Observation BasicsCloud Type Sky Color

Sky Visibility

Cloud Cover Cloud Opacity

www.globe.gov

Cirrus

Cirro

Alto

Contrails

SAFETY FIRST! Never look directly into the sun.

Deep Blue

Unusually Clear

Transparent

Translucent

Opaque

Blue

Few (<10%)

Pale Blue

Scattered (25-50%)

Light Blue

Isolated (10-25%)

Milky

Broken (50-90%)

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Cirrocumulus

StratocumulusFog

AltocumulusAltostratus6000m

2000m

Cirrostratus

CumulusStratus

Somewhat HazyClear

Very Hazy

Overcast (>90%)

Extremely Hazy

Look Up 45

Look AcrossCumulonimbusNimbostratus