As a domain expert in meteorology, I can provide you with a detailed explanation of the different types of clouds and their characteristics. Clouds are classified based on their appearance and the altitude at which they form. The classification system is quite comprehensive and helps in understanding the weather patterns and forecasting.

Step 1: English Answer

Clouds are an integral part of the Earth's atmosphere and play a crucial role in the water cycle and weather patterns. They are formed when moist air rises and cools, causing water vapor to condense into visible water droplets or ice crystals. The classification of clouds is based on their height above the ground and their general shape. Here's a breakdown of the types of clouds as per their altitude:


1. Low Level Clouds (Below 6,500 feet):
- Cumulus: These are puffy, cotton-like clouds that often indicate fair weather. They can develop into larger cumulonimbus clouds, which are associated with thunderstorms.
- Stratus: These are low, gray, and featureless clouds that often cover the entire sky, leading to overcast conditions. They can produce light rain or drizzle.
- Stratocumulus: They are similar to stratus but have a more distinct, lumpy appearance. They usually form in rows and can also produce light precipitation.

2. **Middle Level Clouds (Between 6,500 and 20,000 feet):**
- Altocumulus: These clouds have a gray, patchy appearance and are often associated with a change in the weather.
- Nimbostratus: Dark and featureless, these clouds are responsible for producing continuous rain or snow.
- Altostratus: They are gray or blue-gray and often cover the entire sky. They can cause a dimming of the sun or moon without necessarily producing precipitation.


3. High Level Clouds (Above 20,000 feet):
- Cirrus: Thin, wispy clouds made of ice crystals. They are often seen at high altitudes and can indicate an approaching warm front.
- Cirrocumulus: These are small, white, and puffy clouds that resemble ripples in the sky.
- Cirrostratus: They are thin, hazy clouds that can cause a halo effect around the sun or moon.

In addition to these, there are also vertically developed clouds known as cumulonimbus, which can extend from the low level to the high level and are associated with severe weather conditions like thunderstorms, heavy rain, and sometimes hail or tornadoes.

To determine the type of cloud in the sky today, one would need to observe the cloud's characteristics, such as its shape, altitude, and whether it's producing precipitation. It's also important to consider the weather conditions and any recent weather changes.

Step 2: Divider

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Divided by their height in the sky the ten types of clouds are:low level clouds (cumulus, stratus, stratocumulus) that lie below 6,500 feet;middle clouds (altocumulus, nimbostratus, altostratus) that form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet;high level clouds (cirrus, cirrocumulus, cirrostratus) that form above 20,000 feet;More items...read more >>