Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Cirrocumulus: appears as white patches; usually
formed from cirrus or cirrostratus torn by winds;
indicates approaching surface winds
Cirrus: thin and whispy high-level clouds;
known as mares' tails
Cirrus
Altocumulus: puffy with dark undersides; sometimes
known as a mackerel sky (resembling
sh scales);
usually a sign of fair weather
Cirrocumulus
Altocumulus
Altostratus
Altostratus: thick sheets of pale gray; enough to
obscure Sun or Moon; usually a sign of rain or snow
Cumulus
Stratocumulus
Cumulus: puffy,
eecy, fair-weather clouds, most
common in summer, with blue sky visible between
clouds; often evaporate at night
Stratus
