1. How to Build a Cloud Triangle
Important: View in “Slide Show” mode to view animations

2. Building the Cloud Triangle
Very high, thin and wispy, like a horse tail.
Let’s also add some elevation
6000 m
So what do these clouds look like? Let’s make some simple sketches.
First, let’s draw a triangle.
Stratus
Good! Now, let’s put these three cloud types at the corners.
Okay, what is a common cloud type?
Cumulus
2000 m
This one can look like popcorn or cauliflower – sometimes even shapes of animals!
This one looks and feels like a thick blanket covering the sky.
Cirrus

3. Cirrus and Stratus can be combined to create Cirrostratus
Cirrus and Cumulus can be combined to create Cirrocumulus
Cirrostratus
Cirrocumulus
These clouds look almost like a thin veil in the sky; the Sun or moon often has a circle or halo around it
These clouds are sometimes referred to as fish scales and are sometimes called mackerel sky
6000 m
Middle-level clouds are called “Alto”
Alto
Altostratus
Altocumulus
We can combine these names to identify additional clouds
These clouds are a little thicker than cirrocumulus but not as thick or low as stratus; the Sun will appear dull
These clouds sometimes form in rows called “cloud streets”; others call them a flock of sheep
2000 m
These clouds look like a bunch of cumulus clouds all pushed together into a blanket.
Stratocumulus
Stratus
Cumulus

4. … and if it’s raining… Cirrus Cirrostratus Cirrocumulus 6000 m
Altostratus
Altocumulus
Alto
2000 m
This is usually the slow moving steady rain, often called showers.
This is usually the fast moving heavy rain, often with thunder and lightening.
Stratocumulus
Cumulonimbus
Nimbostratus
Stratus
Cumulus

5. … and voilà – the Cloud Triangle!
Cirrus
Cirrostratus
Cirrocumulus
6000 m
Altostratus
Altocumulus
2000 m
Stratocumulus
Cumulonimbus
Nimbostratus
Stratus
Cumulus

6. Things to consider when building the Cloud Triangle
Cirrus
Placement of cloud names
1) Cirrus is a high cloud, therefore should go at the top, or apex, of the triangle.
2) I’ve placed Cumulus to the right and Stratus to the left. Why?
When I add Stratocumulus to the triangle “strato” comes from the left and “cumulus” comes from the right. This will aid in remembering whether it’s stratocumulus or cumulostratus…!
3) When I add Nimbostratus and Cumulonimbus to the triangle “Nimbo/nimbus” is on the outside of the word: Nimbostratus and Cumulonimbus. This will also aid in remembering whether it’s nimbostratus and cumulonimbus or stratonimbus and nimbocumulus…!
Cumulonimbus
Nimbostratus
Strato
Stratus
Cumulus
cumulus