Clouds are shaped by the many changing characteristics of the atmosphere: temperature, moisture, winds, and more. ... rippled white sheet. Cirrostratus are a more homogenous sheer veil.

From thin wisps to threatening thunderheads, clouds come in all shapes, sizes, and types. 1 of 11. ... Cirrocumulus clouds are also white and can be sheet-like and rippled.

To understand how clouds get their shape, it helps to understand the basics of how they form. When air rises and cools, the water vapor it holds condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. If ...