Clouds of the Day - Wednesday, August 5, 2020

Clouds in Layers

The photos below show clouds in layers. Cumulus clouds form in the lowest layer of the atmosphere; up to 6,000 feet (2,000 meters). Altocumulus are “high” cumulus, found between 6,500 and 20,000 feet (2,000 - 6,000 meters). High clouds are found above 16,500 feet (5,000 meters). High clouds are wispy mainly ice crystal clouds called cirrus. Cirrocumulus clouds consist of ice crystals and water droplets. All photos are taken by Craig Johnson from Cedar Falls, Iowa.

Bases of cumulus clouds are overhead with altocumlus visible above through the hole in cumulus right of center. Photo looking south.

Cumulus are visible with altocumulus above.

Cumulus are the low puffy clouds but streaks of altocumulus are visble above in the center. Photo looking south.

Cumulus below a higher layer of altocumulus. Photo looking east.

Again cumulus are low, altocumulus above in the middle level(upper right) and cirrocumulus and cirrus are high left of center. Photo looks high in the eastern sky.