Clouds are classified by both their shape and the altitude at which they form. High-altitude clouds form above 20,000 feet and include cirrus, cirrostratus, and cirrocumulus - They are typically thin and icy. Mid-level clouds form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet and include altostratus and altocumulus. Low-level clouds form below 6,500 feet and include stratus, stratocumulus, and nimbostratus. Vertical development clouds like cumulonimbus span multiple levels and are responsible for thunderstorms. In this sortable quiz, you'll drag cloud types into their correct altitude category. This quiz is perfect for meteorology students, pilots, and anyone who has ever looked up at the sky and wondered what those clouds are called.
Clouds are categorized by altitude and form. High-level clouds (above 20,000 ft) include cirrus, cirrostratus, and cirrocumulus - Thin, icy, and wispy. Mid-level clouds (6,500 - 20,000 ft) include altostratus and altocumulus - Grey or white sheets and patches. Low-level clouds (below 6,500 ft) include stratus, stratocumulus, and nimbostratus. Vertical clouds like cumulus and cumulonimbus span multiple levels.
Drag each cloud type into its altitude group. Knowing cloud types helps predict weather. Also try our weather by type quiz.
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