What are the four different cloud groups and how are they classified?

Clouds are classified into four main cloud groups based on their appearance, altitude, and the processes that form them. These four cloud groups are further divided into cloud species and varieties. The four main cloud groups are:

1.High-Level Clouds (Above 20,000 feet or 6,000 meters):

Cirrus (Ci): Wispy, feathery clouds usually indicating fair weather but also signaling that a change in the weather may occur.

Cirrostratus (Cs): Thin, ice-crystal clouds covering the sky, often producing halos around the sun or moon.

2.Mid-Level Clouds (6,500 to 20,000 feet or 2,000 to 6,000 meters):

Altostratus (As): Gray or blue-gray clouds covering the sky, often with a watery appearance. They usually precede storms with continuous rain or snow.

Altocumulus (Ac): White or gray clouds, usually forming a layer and often covering the entire sky. They may signal thunderstorms later in the day if they grow vertically.

3.Low-Level Clouds (Up to 6,500 feet or 2,000 meters):

Stratus (St): Gray clouds that often cover the entire sky like a blanket. They may bring light drizzle or mist.

Stratocumulus (Sc): Low, lumpy clouds covering the sky, often with breaks of clear sky. They may produce light rain or drizzle.

4.Clouds with Vertical Development (Up to Any Altitude):

Cumulus (Cu): White, fluffy clouds with a flat base. They often have a cauliflower-like appearance and are associated with fair weather. However, they can develop into larger storm clouds(cumulonimbus) if instability is present.

Cumulonimbus (Cb): Towering clouds with an anvil-shaped top. They can bring thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail, and tornadoes.

These cloud classifications are based on the cloud's appearance, altitude, and the processes that form and shape them. Clouds are important indicators of atmospheric conditions and play a key role in weather forecasting.