Wolkenklassificatie

Wolkenklassificatie is the scientific system used to categorize clouds based on their appearance and altitude. This classification helps meteorologists understand atmospheric conditions and predict weather patterns. The system primarily distinguishes clouds into ten main genera, which are further subdivided into species and varieties.

The ten main cloud genera are Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, Cirrostratus, Altocumulus, Altostratus, Nimbostratus, Stratocumulus, Stratus, Cumulus, and Cumulonimbus. These genera are grouped into three altitude levels: high, middle, and low. High clouds, typically found above 6,000 meters, are composed mainly of ice crystals and include Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, and Cirrostratus. Middle clouds, situated between 2,000 and 6,000 meters, consist of water droplets or ice crystals and include Altocumulus and Altostratus. Low clouds, below 2,000 meters, are primarily composed of water droplets and include Stratocumulus, Stratus, and Nimbostratus. Cumulus and Cumulonimbus clouds are vertical development clouds that can span multiple altitude levels.

Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds made of ice crystals. Cirrocumulus clouds appear as small, white patches or ripples. Cirrostratus clouds form a thin, sheet-like layer that can create halos around the sun or moon. Altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds often appearing as patches or layers of rounded masses. Altostratus clouds are uniform, gray or bluish sheets that can obscure the sun. Nimbostratus clouds are dark, gray, and featureless, associated with continuous rain or snow. Stratocumulus clouds are low, lumpy clouds in patches or layers. Stratus clouds are flat, gray, featureless layers that can produce drizzle. Cumulus clouds are detached, puffy clouds with flat bases, often described as "fair-weather" clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds are large, dense clouds associated with thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and lightning. The classification system, developed by Luke Howard in 1803 and later refined by the World Meteorological Organization, remains fundamental to meteorology.