Three Types of Clouds
The scientific study of clouds began in 1803 when Luke Howard, a British pharmacist and amateur meteorologist, introduced the first system for classifying. Although many other procedures for cloud classification have been devised over the years, Howard’s system is so simple and effective that it is still in use today. It is based on the shape, distribution, and altitude of clouds. He identified ten different categories, but they are all variations of three basic cloud forms. Howard used their Latin names to identify them: cirrus (meaning “curl”), stratus (“spreading out in layers or sheets”), and cumulus (“a pile or heap”). So, these are the three types of clouds by Latin name. Let me explain more about these three types of clouds.
The first one is the cirus clouds. Cirus clouds are the cloud with curly, feathery delicate, wispy, and thin characteristics. Based on the research streaky also one of the characteristics of these clouds. These clouds are seen white, we can see from the mainland, but not too clear. These clouds there at about 5 miles (8 kilometers) altitude above sea level. Because of that, these clouds are classified as the highest clouds of all the clouds.
The second one is the stratus clouds. Different from the cirus clouds, these clouds there at 1 to 4 miles (1.6 to 6 kilometers) altitude above the earth. Therefore, these clouds are classified as clouds with low altitude. These clouds look like a grey sheet or blanket, but not very thick, so blue sky often shines. We can see these clouds clearly from the mainland. These clouds are not always seen or not always appear. Usually, these clouds are seen or appear to give the signal that the weather will be bad. These clouds are also just seen or appear when the weather is bad.
The third one is the cumulus clouds. Same with the stratus clouds, these clouds there at 1 to 4 miles (1.6 to 6 kilometers) high. These clouds more look like cauliflowers. Large masses of clouds, dome-shaped with a flat and gray base are the characteristics of these clouds. If these clouds become too dense and vertical, they often produce heavy rain, lightning, and thunder. Usually, these clouds are seen in summer.
These three clouds have their characteristics. Even so, stratus clouds and cumulus clouds still have a little in common, namely the height equation. Both clouds have an altitude of 1 to 4 miles (1.6 to 6 kilometers). Meanwhile, the cirrus cloud has own height, which is 5 miles (8 kilometers). This makes cirus clouds classified as clouds that have a height higher than stratus clouds and cumulus clouds.
Note: This is my Writing 3 assignment. I apologize if the words choice and the grammar that I use incorrect.