Pilvilajit

Pilvilajit refers to the classification system used to categorize clouds based on their appearance and altitude. This system, developed by Luke Howard in 1803, is the internationally recognized standard for meteorologists. Clouds are primarily divided into four main groups: cirrus, cumulus, stratus, and nimbus.

Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy, and feathery, composed of ice crystals and found at high altitudes. Cumulus clouds are puffy, white, and cotton-like, often appearing in fair weather but can develop into towering cumulonimbus clouds associated with thunderstorms. Stratus clouds are flat, gray, and featureless, forming a uniform layer across the sky and can produce drizzle. Nimbus clouds are rain-bearing clouds, with nimbostratus producing continuous rain or snow, and cumulonimbus producing heavy showers and thunderstorms.

These main types are further subdivided based on their altitude. High-level clouds, above 6,000 meters, include cirrus, cirrocumulus, and cirrostratus. Mid-level clouds, between 2,000 and 6,000 meters, are altocumulus and altostratus. Low-level clouds, below 2,000 meters, consist of stratus, stratocumulus, and nimbostratus. Clouds that span multiple altitude levels are the vertically developed cumulus and cumulonimbus. Understanding these pilvilajit is crucial for weather forecasting as different cloud types indicate varying atmospheric conditions.