Cloud Gallery
The following links show pictures of clouds taken locally at USF or around Tampa and have been taken by students in Meteorology or Climatology class.
High level clouds generally form above 20,000 feet (6,000 meters). Temperatures are so cold at these high altitudes, these clouds are primarily composed of ice crystals. High-level clouds are typically thin and white in appearance, but can appear in an array of colors when the sun is low on the horizon.
Examples:
cirrus - Ci
cirrostratus - Cs
cirrocumulus - Cc
Mid-level clouds generally appear between 6500 and 20,000 feet (2,000 to 6,000 meters). Because of their lower altitude they are composed primarily of water droplets, however, they can also be composed of ice crystals when temperatures are cold enough.
Examples:
altocumulus - Ac
altostratus - As
The bases of low-level clouds are generally found below 6,500 feet (2,000 meters) and are mostly composed of water droplets. However, when temperatures are cold enough, these clouds may also contain ice particles and snow.
Examples:
stratus - St
stratocumulus - Sc
nimbostratus - Ns
cumulus - Cu
cumulonimbus - Cb
These clouds have bases between 1,600 – 9,800 feet and can have heights in excess of 39,000 feet (12,000 meters). These clouds are most commonly generated through either thermal convection or frontal lifting. These clouds also release incredible amounts of energy through the condensation of water vapor within the cloud itself and can cause heavy precipitation.
Examples:
cumulonimbus – Cb
cumulus - Cu
Source: National Weather Service and Meteorology Today, C. Donald Ahrens