- Nimbus cloud
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A nimbus cloud is a cloud that produces precipitation. Usually the precipitation reaches the ground as rain, hail, snow, or sleet. Falling precipitation may evaporate as virga.
Etymology
Nimbus is a Latin word meaning in cloud or rain storm. The prefix nimbo- or the suffix -nimbus indicates a precipitating cloud; for example, a nimbostratus cloud is a precipitating stratus cloud, and a cumulonimbus cloud is a precipitating cumulus cloud. Also the "Nimbus" cloud can be seen from any of the heights shown on the table below because of its dark grey coloured clouds
Further reading
- Smith, Alastair & Clarke, Philip (2001) Spotter's Guide to Weather. London: Usborne
External links
- "Cloud Types: common cloud classifications". WW2010. University of Illinois. http://ww2010.atmos.uiuc.edu/(Gh)/guides/mtr/cld/cldtyp/home.rxml.
Cloud genuses Extreme-level High-level Medium-level Low-level Fog · Stratus (St) · Cumulus (Cu) · Stratocumulus (Sc) · Arcus (Roll) · Fractus · Funnel · Nimbostratus (Ns) · Shelf · Wall · Actinoform cloud · Undulatus asperatusVertical Cumulonimbus (Cb) · Cumulonimbus mammatus · Pyrocumulus · Pyrocumulonimbus · Overshooting top · AccessoryCategories:- Cloud types
- Precipitation
- Atmospheric science stubs
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