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Cloud Identification

GOES-R

High Level Clouds - I

The biggest distinction between high clouds and other levels is the fact that they are made up of ice crystals and not water droplets. The two most common high clouds are cirrus and cirrostratus.

Cirrus

Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy as can be seen in the following photos and satellite images. They are a common cloud type that occurs in vertical motions ahead of large scale weather patterns. Cirrus are associated with all weather systems. They can also be generated by flow over mountains or in regions with strong winds, such as the jet stream. They often occur as wisps aligned in the same direction and generally do not completely cover the sky.

Cumulonimbus with overshooting top Cumulonimbus overshooting top visible satellite image Cumulonimbus infrared satellite image
Cirrus clouds from below Visible satellite image IR satellite image

Identify Cirrus Clouds in Satellite Images

The first satellite image is a visible image using reflected light, the second satellite image is an IR image that measures thermal energy.

hands-on activityUse your mouse or finger and slide across the image to fade between the different images.