Answer the following questions:

What is a cloud? Write its types.

A cloud is a collection of water vapour and fine particles at a greater height in the sky formed due to the process of condensation.

According to international classification, clouds are divided into three main types based on their altitudes above sea level:

1. High clouds: The clouds which are at the height of 7000 to 14000m and contain ice particles are known as high clouds. They include Cirrus, Cirrocumulus and Cirrostratus clouds.

2. Medium clouds: These clouds have a general altitude of 2000 to 7000 metres. They comprise alto-stratus and alto-cumulus clouds.

3. Low clouds: These are at an altitude of fewer than 2000 metres. They are divided into five types.

a) Strato-cumulus

b) Stratus Clouds

c) Nimbostratus clouds

d) Cumulus clouds

e) Cumulonimbus clouds.