Clouds

It has been snowing quite a bit in Katelyn's Backyard the past few days, so i unfortunately cannot show you what the clouds in my backyard have been looking like. So i am instead going to show you some pictures of the kind of clouds you would normally see in Katelyn's Backyard. 


Cirrocumulus Clouds (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cloud)

Cirrocumulus Clouds are part of the high cloud group. They kind of look like they are missing pieces, and are almost "wispy" looking. These clouds are most seen during the winter time or when there is cold weather. These clouds also usually appear in patches, so they usually do not cover the entire sky. They are also a forecast for rain, and mean some will be coming shortly. The different kinds of Cirrocumulus clouds are: stratiformis, floccus/castellanus, undulatus, lenticularis, lacunosus. 
Stratiformis: Formed in a sheet/layer
Floccus/Castellanus: Turreted cloudlets
Undulatus: Have ripples and waves
Lenticularis: Ripples with sharp edges
Lacunosus: Large, clear holes in the clouds








Cumulus Clouds (http://www.wjla.com/blogs/weather/2012/04/a-happy-cloud-weighs-how-much-15262.html)

Cumulus Clouds are the most common cloud to see in Katelyn's Backyard. These are puffy clouds that look like soft airy pillows. Unlike the above Cirrocumulus Clouds, the Cumulus Clouds have a shape and defined edges. You can see where they start and where they end. These clouds are out for a nice day, they do not produce precipitation, but can grow into thunderstorm clouds. There are four types of Cumulus Clouds: cumulis humilis, mediocris, congestus, and fractus. All of them are specified by different shapes. 
Cumulis Humilis: Puffy and flat clouds
Mediocris: Similiar but with vertical shapes
Congestus: High in atmosphere and often have cauliflower like structure
Fractus: Has a ragged appearence



Cirrostratus Clouds (https://mtapp.wikispaces.com/Calvin+Perry+Kevin+Hodge+Cirrostratus)

Cirrostratus Clouds are high level and composed of ice-crystals. They are actually very thick, but to use look almost see through. The sun easily shines through them. These clouds also tell us when a warm front is coming, and that precipitation will be coming after that. There are also 4 types of Cirrostratus Clouds: nebulosus, fibratus, undulatus, duplicatus. 


Nebulosus: Featureless, sometimes produces halos
Fibratus: Patchy clouds
Undulatus: Shows fine ripples
Duplicatus: Have more than one layer













Works Cited: http://www.windows2universe.org/earth/Atmosphere/clouds/cirrocumulus.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirrocumulus_cloud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cumulus_cloud
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirrostratus_cloud
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wxfacts/Cirrostratus.htm
http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wxfacts/Cirrocumulus.htm