Which cloud type is a high-level cloud?

Which cloud type is a high-level cloud?

• A. Altostratus
• B. Cirrus
• C. Cirrostratus
• D. Stratus

Answer: (C)

High-level clouds form far up in the troposphere, typically above about 20,000 feet, and are made mainly of ice crystals. The cirro- prefix signals that it’s a very high cloud. Cirrostratus appears as a thin, broad veil across the sky, often covering large areas rather than forming distinct shapes. Because it sits so high and forms a delicate sheet, it clearly fits the idea of a high-level cloud, and you can sometimes see halos around the sun or moon due to the ice crystals refracting light. Other cloud types you might encounter at high altitude include wispy cirrus and mid- or low-level types like altostratus or stratus, but cirrostratus uniquely epitomizes the high, veil-like layer.

High-level clouds form far up in the troposphere, typically above about 20,000 feet, and are made mainly of ice crystals. The cirro- prefix signals that it’s a very high cloud. Cirrostratus appears as a thin, broad veil across the sky, often covering large areas rather than forming distinct shapes. Because it sits so high and forms a delicate sheet, it clearly fits the idea of a high-level cloud, and you can sometimes see halos around the sun or moon due to the ice crystals refracting light. Other cloud types you might encounter at high altitude include wispy cirrus and mid- or low-level types like altostratus or stratus, but cirrostratus uniquely epitomizes the high, veil-like layer.