page_title: List of cloud types
section_title: Genus nimbostratus: Multi-level
hierarchical_section_title: List of cloud types / Cloud identification and classification in the troposphere / Multi-level stratiform and moderate vertical cumuliform (low to mid-level cloud base) / Genus nimbostratus: Multi-level
caption_attribution_description: English: Nimbostratus, not raining yet.
context_page_description: The list of cloud types groups the main genera as high, middle, multi-level, and low according to the altitude level or levels at which each cloud is normally found. Small cumulus are commonly grouped with the low clouds because they do not show significant vertical extent. Of the multi-level genus-types, those with the greatest convective activity are often grouped separately as towering vertical. The genus types all have Latin names.
  The genera are also grouped into five physical forms. These are, in approximate ascending order of instability or convective activity: stratiform sheets; cirriform wisps and patches; stratocumuliform patches, rolls, and ripples; cumuliform heaps, and cumulonimbiform towers that often have complex structures. Most genera are divided into species with Latin names, some of which are common to more than one genus. Most genera and species can be subdivided into varieties, also with Latin names, some of which are common to more than one genus or species.
context_section_description: Abbreviation: Ns (V-60)
  Clouds of the genus nimbostratus tend to bring constant precipitation and low visibility. This cloud type normally forms above 2 kilometres (6,600 ft) from altostratus cloud but tends to thicken into the lower levels during the occurrence of precipitation. The top of a nimbostratus deck is usually in the middle level of the troposphere.
caption: Nimbostratus (V-60) with virga
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