Cloud Classification

Cloud Classification

Cloud Classification reveals the intricate language of clouds, explaining how these atmospheric formations are systematically categorized by altitude, shape, and associated weather patterns. Understanding cloud classification is crucial for meteorology, climate science, and connecting with nature. The book traces the evolution from subjective observation to the standardized system of the World Meteorological Organization's International Cloud Atlas, highlighting Luke Howard’s pivotal 19th-century work that brought scientific rigor to cloud identification. Did you know that cloud formations can indicate upcoming weather events, acting as visible signals in the sky? The book progresses from basic principles of cloud formation to detailed explorations of ten principal cloud genera, such as Cirrus, Cumulus, and Stratus, examining their species and varieties. It also delves into formation mechanisms like convection and frontal systems. Emphasizing practical applications, it incorporates visual aids, meteorological data, and case studies to illustrate the relationship between cloud types and weather patterns. Readers will gain a deeper understanding of weather forecasting and climate modeling, and the ability to interpret the sky's cues.

Clouds

Made up of tiny water droplets or ice crystals, and encasing our planet in a protective layer, clouds are an important part of Earth’s weather, and have inspired millions of hours of sky watching around the world. Clouds celebrates every aspect of clouds, including how they are formed, their different types, how they help predict the weather, and how they are transformed by geography, climate and the seasons. Offering a clear scientific explanation to classification and identification, the book will also include cloud myths and legends, quotes from world literature, and beautiful photographs of every kind of cloud, from Cumulonimbus to Stratus. It will also include the truly rare and amazing formations only recently identified, such as Asperitas and the Morning Glory roll cloud. Highly illustrated with directory photographs and beautiful skyscapes, this is a lay person’s guide to understanding, recognising and interpreting clouds, written by astronomer and meteorology expert Storm Dunlop.

Cloud Forms According to the International Classification