What are the names of four types of clouds?

Cumulus

This low cloud with a typical base of below 7,000 feet is

a cumulus cloud. These clouds have distinct edges, are

usually white, puffy with a popcorn like appearance.

They have a noticeable vertical development. Cumulus

clouds can be seen isolated as in this picture or grouped

together is clusters. The cumulus cloud as all low clouds

are most often composed of water droplets, but can can

have ice crystals in colder climates.

Stratus

This stratus cloud is the lowest of the low clouds. They

appear as a grey overcast deck, but can be scattered.

Because the stratus cloud is low it too has a base below

7,000 feet and is made of mostly water droplets. The

individual stratus cloud has ill-defined edges compared to

other low clouds.

Cirrus

The high altitude cirrus cloud like the one shown here have

bases above 18,000 feet. They are mostly made of ice

crystals and appear wispy, thin; almost hair-like. Cirrus clouds

generally occur in fair weather and point in the direction of air

movement at their elevation.

Cumulonimbus

The cumulonimbus cloud is the tallest of all clouds. They

can span all cloud layers and extend to 60,000 feet. These

clouds can produce lightning, thunder, heavy rains, strong

winds, and tornadoes. Cumulonimbus clouds usually have

large anvil-shaped tops because of the stronger winds at

those higher levels of the atmosphere. For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section indicated below.