Clouds are primarily divided based on the height of their base above the Earth's surface, but they can also be grouped by unique characteristics.
Cloud Classification
The primary method for classifying clouds involves categorizing them based on their altitude. This results in three main groups: high, middle, and low clouds. However, some clouds are grouped by their formation mechanisms rather than their height.
Cloud Height Categories
Most clouds are divided into groups based on their height above the Earth. These groups include:
- High Clouds: These clouds form at higher altitudes in the atmosphere.
- Middle Clouds: Middle clouds exist at mid-level altitudes.
- Low Clouds: These are found closest to the Earth's surface.
Clouds Grouped by Unique Characteristics
Some clouds don't fit neatly into the height-based classification system. These are grouped by how they form or by their appearance. Examples include:
- Lenticular Clouds: These clouds form over mountains due to air flowing over terrain.
- Mammatus Clouds: These pouch-like clouds form beneath other clouds.
