Clouds

Clouds are formed by the condensation of water vapour, whereby small cloud droplets with a diameter less than 0.1 mm are formed. A cloud is an accumulation of tiny water droplets or ice grains that float in the air, or precipitate. The respective weather conditions are characterised by certain types of clouds. Very often, the shape of the clouds is an indicator for the weather to come.

What kinds of clouds are there?

The different types of clouds are grouped into four families: high clouds, low clouds, clouds at a medium altitude and clouds that spread vertically.

Nimbostratus, Cumulus and Cumulonimbus are clouds that spread vertically. Clouds of the Cumulonimbus type, the thundercloud, can be very dangerous for planes and they are termed "Charlie Bravo" (CB) by pilots. The CB clouds spread from 7000-12000 m and flying through them is only recommended if a plane has weather radar on board.

Stratocumulus and Stratus belong to the family of low clouds. They form a grey cloud layer, which is often accompanied by drizzle.

Altostratus and Altocumulus - fleecy clouds that occur in heaps in 2500-6000 m altitude - belong to the clouds of medium altitude.

High clouds are Cirrus, Cirrocumulus and Cirrostratus, which can be found at an altitude above 6000 m. Cirrocumulus, for example, is a small fleecy cloud that floats at a height of 6000-10000 m.