Cloud Identification ChartHI
GHM
IDLO
W
Altit
ude
of C
loud
Bas
e
6 km
4 km
5 km
3 km
2 km
1 km
Short-Lived
Contrails
Cirrus
Altostratus
Persistent Spreading
Cirrostratus
Persistent Non-Spreading
Cirrocumulus
Altocumulus
Fog/Stratus Stratocumulus Cumulus
Nimbostratus
Precipitating
Cumulonimbus
Nimbostratus clouds produce light rain or
a steady drizzle, while cumulonimbus clouds produce intense storms.
Clouds are categorized by height and shape.
Stratocumulus clouds look like a lumpy blanket.
Stratus CumulusLooks like a
sheet or blanket.Looks like cotton or cauliflower.
2019
Observation BasicsCloud Type Sky Color
Sky Visibility
Cloud Cover Cloud Opacity
www.globe.gov
Cirrus
Cirro
Alto
Contrails
SAFETY FIRST! Never look directly into the sun.
Deep Blue
Unusually Clear
Transparent
Translucent
Opaque
Blue
Few (<10%)
Pale Blue
Scattered (25-50%)
Light Blue
Isolated (10-25%)
Milky
Broken (50-90%)
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Cirrocumulus
StratocumulusFog
AltocumulusAltostratus6000m
2000m
Cirrostratus
CumulusStratus
Somewhat HazyClear
Very Hazy
Overcast (>90%)
Extremely Hazy
Look Up 45
Look AcrossCumulonimbusNimbostratus