Question

What is the classification of clouds based on?

Answer 1

Clouds may be classified by form and by height. Luke Howard (1772 - 1864), a British pharmacist was thefirst to describe cloud forms using Latin terms such as cirrus, cumulus or stratus. The division of clouds into ten basic cloud forms, or cloud genera is based on his publications.

Answer 2

Cloud level (ft)Cloud type

High clouds (CH)

Base usually 20,000 ft or above, over British Isles

CirrusCirrocumulusCirrostratusMedium clouds (CM)Base usually between 6,500 and 20,000 ft over British Isles.AltocumulusAltostratusNimbostratusLow clouds (CL)Base usually below 6,500 ft over British Isles.hope this helps!