Photo Feed: Pattern play in the skies

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:40:02 +0530

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Cumulonimbus or Thunderheads: Like Cumulus clouds, these rise to dramatic heights, sometimes above the level of jetliner flights. These clouds are formed by upwelling plumes of hot air, which produce visible turbulence on the their upper surfaces, making them appear as if on boil. The energy can create hail, damaging winds, lighting, torrential rain and sometimes tornadoes. Thunderheads can also reach elevations of up to 50,000 feet (15,000 metres).

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:40:02 +0530

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Altocumulus: Altocumulus clouds are puffy. They frequently indicate an approaching storm. These sometimes produce Virga, which is rain or snow that does not reach the ground.

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:40:02 +0530

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Altostratus: Mid-level clouds form between 6,500 feet (2,000 metres) and Cirrus level. Altostratus clouds are flat;

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:40:02 +0530

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Stratus: Typically, these low-level clouds lie below 6,500 feet (2,000 metres). Stratus clouds are often dense, dark, and rainy (or snowy) though they can also be cottony white clumps interspersed across the blue sky.

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:40:02 +0530

New Image (no caption) - 09 June 2011

Cumulus: These are referred to as fair-weather clouds and bear ominous signs about impending storms. When they get big enough to produce thunderstorms, they called Cumulonimbus.

You might have woven childhood fantasies while watching cloud patterns. Now, THE TRIP breaks down these fascinating elements that dot our skies to help figure your travel plans before you hit the road - 09 June 2011

Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:40:02 +0530

You might have woven childhood fantasies while watching cloud patterns. Now, THE TRIP breaks down these fascinating elements that dot our skies to help figure your travel plans before you hit the road - 09 June 2011

Cirrus: These high-level clouds can reach heights of upto 20,000 feet (6,000 metres), and are typically thin in appearance. They do not produce rain and often indicate fair weather. They are usually made up of ice.