Lecture 1: How to identify and name clouds (introduction to weather)

UPDATE: I'm making materials available for all of my lectures on my website (melstrong.org) for either those bored folks stuck at home due to the virus or teachers looking for online content. For this lecture I have three sets of cloud pictures to practice identifying - with answer keys.
In this lecture I introduce the cloud classification system created by Luke Howard. We go over cumulus, altocumulus, cirrocumulus, stratocumulus, cumulonimbus, stratus, altostratus, cirrostratus, nimbostratus, cirrus, lenticular, and mammatus.
Originally part of the Blue Planet lecture series at the University of New Mexico. This is the first of a series of lectures I have posted on introductory weather. Check the playlist on my channel to see the complete list in order.

[@muttzoone]

I have autism and I’m starting to really pick up an interest in clouds, this video is so helpful!! I want to learn everything I can about clouds :)

[@blizzy-hl5qv]

did you?

[@latexhague8267]

@@blizzy-hl5qvchill

[@dogwhohasstrayed]

​@@blizzy-hl5qvi also would like to know

[@blizzy-hl5qv]

@@dogwhohasstrayedlol how about yourself?

[@dogwhohasstrayed]

@@blizzy-hl5qv i have become a cloud

[@justinrahn4720]

The added value of the cat cannot be understated; I love how they look at the camera like they're trying to bluff that they know who you're talking to

[@marlonmunanga523]

As a piloting student, I can't thank you enough for your presentation.

[@MelStrong]

Thanks

[@emmyjean5068]

I'd love to see a video on the cloud formations that appear after a plane. Why sometimes they stay and other times they don't? Why a trail can stay for long amounts of time and spread to cover large areas of land?

[@dianesoper708]

@@emmyjean5068 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gmbMpGRsdp2jnNk

[@muhammadalim.z.8332]

​@@emmyjean5068I think it's to do with the atmospheric pressure and wind speed and direction that disturbs those trails left behind

[@alexanderkenkenberg]

Tech artist here working on implementing global weather system. Your lecture is amazing. Thanks so much for making it public.

[@joshntn37111]

This guy is so good at this. I'm actually offended that he doesn't have millions of subs. I watch this both bc it's awesome and bc it's great background to sleep. That you Mr. Strong! Hope you are doing well today.

[@PurpleWingsaero]

The only video youtube needs to have on clouds

[@geniecemadonna310]

I’m not a meteorology student I took one class back in college and clouds fascinated me. So I clicked this.. so glad I did I liked this better than Netflix. Great presentation. The joke about the zebra.. 🤣🤣

[@louisvermeulen7724]

Im learning to become a hot air balloon pilot, this video helps allot to understand the difference between the clouds, thanks allot!

[@stephdalek4273]

I can't describe how cozy this video made me feel 💙

[@stephensmith4240]

Thanks, best explanation on clouds I've seen on KZbin. Shame about the Zebra!

[@MelStrong]

I heard the zebra was returned safely though possibly now wearing a probe....

[@Labroidas]

Thank you very much for making this. It's so difficult to understand cloud types just from books and pictures. The fact that you used videos to show the clouds in motion also gives a sense of how quickly things change, which is impossible to tell from a book. And also, books give you the illusion that the classification system is perfect, even though the cloud types change into each other all the time and coexist next to each other, making it really hard to tell them apart and name them as a novice.

[@Threebuges]

not a student or anything, but ive always been so facinated by the sky and clouds so i finally looked into it. Wonderfully detailed video! Breaking things down efficiently and at a comfortable pace. Cant wait to watch the next one!

[@f.apollom.arenas3199]

That was the most informative lecture about clouds I’ve ever encountered and most importantly, easy to understand and remember. You are very good. Thank you.

[@rakillrp9029]

I have recently developed an interest in clouds and have thoroughly reviewed numerous videos on the subject. Among them, yours stands out as the most informative and precise. You have surely gained a new subscriber! ❤️

[@acaciaTF]

Hi Mel. I'm a 55 year old student Pilot from Scotland and your lectures were invaluable in me grasping Meteorology. I've just passed the CAA Meteorology exam 87%. Thanks for providing this valuable resource. Drew Brown, Dunblane.

[@mr.diluaa8941]

That's great ❤️

[@adriandefesacivilbnu]

What a amazing lesson! Regards from Santa Catarina State, Brazil!

[@2painful2watch]

This is by far the best cloud lecture ever.

[@laureenpinnock3997]

Thank you for a clear , interesting and well presented lecture..looking forward to your other lectures.

[@santiagomoncayo1412]

I believe this is the first time in my career as a pilot that I received a very descriptive weather lecture! Images talk more than a thousand words. It was a simple, but complete description of the clouds! Thanks a lot for sharing with us!

[@alicelee604]

Mel you are a God sent! And the cat and the UFO stories, sooooo funny!!! You made my day!

[@deannekwon6822]

I like to be able to see your cat as I learn about clouds! Thanks for the cloud information.

[@andrewwest3014]

Another student pilot here saying thank you very much! This is so clear and helpful. Really appreciate it.

[@jaronross9698]

Don't ever really comment on videos but i had to for this one. I'm working on my private pilot license and this video explained literally everything i needed to understand about the different cloud types. Thank you very much for explaining this and composing this video. Keep up the great work!

[@MarkSweeting_]

Hi Mel. Thankyou so much for the education. Since I started hiking and wild camping I've watched clouds and new nothing about them. Now I do and I'm going to get so much more enjoyment because if it. Best regards from the UK

[@jesuiskevin6898]

Congratulations on you're job. I am watching it from France and I learn a lot, thanks you!

[@rhoelg]

Our IT Manager said we are going to migrate to the cloud, so ill have to learn about it! This video is so helpful!

[@elcrispybacon5368]

5 years later and so many people are coming to these videos to learn. Thank you sir for your help with the next generation of weather lovers. I have always enjoyed the weather and have always been intrigued by weather and your videos have helped me learn so much already I am only 20 years old never been to college but i enjoyed and understood your lecture so much already, so thank you again sir.

[@stevenmohr4588]

Thank you Mel for being so generous to make us your videos. ❤

[@user-bk5nr7kc5n]

Thank you for indepth explanation with live visuals of those clouds.

[@07robersonj]

I have never been great at science (most topics have never interested me), but I recently became a storm spotter (weather has always interested me), and I'm trying to learn as much as possible. These series of lectures are just so incredibly well done. Thank you for taking the time to make these!

[@dominikchmielewski4912]

Came for the clouds, stayed for the cat.

[@DanielDeRudder]

Finally a very clear explanation on cloud types ! Thank you very much.

[@julianam9795]

I searched a lecture on clouds because I'm outside ans I can't be disappointed, really well explained thank you so much!

[@coop6music9lover]

this is so amazing, thank you for making these videos! I've always loved clouds and finally take time to learn more about them. what a natural art to look at!

[@marshmyellow]

randomly needed info on clouds for an art project and this has been immensely helpful!! love that we ended on a pawsitive note :DD thank you!

[@jamesosoriojosoriohomes9583]

Finally someone who can explain this and make it make sense. Thank you!

[@TimothyLines]

I echo Marlon's comment, also as a student pilot. Understanding clouds from a textbook is challenging; your lectures make a huge difference

[@MelStrong]

Thanks I appreciate it!

[@motordemic]

Great video! I've come to appreciate longer style videos because of their valuable information! Love the cat too 🤩

[@sklajban]

One of the best classes about the clouds ever! 🙌👏😁

[@TheCatalanotto03]

Fantastic video on clouds with the examples of pictures and videos. Thank you for this.

[@josephlai9759]

The time lapses and images in concert with the comparisons you made of deceivingly similar-looking cloud types excel in your video. Thank you very much for the effort put in. Your passion for clouds is so evident.

[@challam]

These lectures are awesome in understanding weather. Thank you so much for sharing them.

[@yarenguney1330]

Always wanted to learn more about clouds. Thank you for making it possible :)

[@danielahinojos7499]

I've recently been getting interested in clouds and this was immensely helpful, many thanks

[@jakearvonen5691]

Amazing Lecture, thank you very much for making this publicly available Mel!

[@MelStrong]

Thanks!

[@itsNikkieitsMe]

you are amazing and not hard to understand at all, thank you and for making this free and accessible! you help so much

[@mascagm]

This is the best documented video about clouds, congratulations, I want to watch the whole series to learn a lot about the weather. Thanks for the dedicated work for making these videos.

[@12yards.]

what an excellent video! noone has explained various concepts related to clouds in this much depth on this platform yet. Thank you

[@sontia55]

I love the intro to this video, it really starts off strong

[@dhruv6532]

Because he's strong. Mel Strong

[@MrPhitos]

Thank you very much for this course ! The great number of pictures and videos help building a mental image of each cloud formation

[@dogapz]

Mel, thank you for this knowledge sharing! It is incredibly helpful as a student pilot! 🛩️

[@danielvandommele1204]

For me this video has been the most helpful in telling the different kinds of clouds apart. Thanks for the clear explanation! Will definately watch the other lectures as well.

[@fernandobrito889]

Amazing content and didactics, thank you! I'm trying to learn more about clouds in the hope that it will be useful on my long bike touring trips, and you are making it much more interesting than I expected

[@gerrymc]

This video, and all of them in this series are amazing. Thanks for the huge amount of effort it must have taken to put these together! Thanks from the Devon in the UK!

[@MelStrong]

Thanks - glad you like them!

[@matheusmarinelli632]

This video is amazing, amazing teaching and very good examples of clouds you show to demonstrate the topics you are talking about... Very very nice class!

[@rahulmahanta9147]

very unique way of approaching the subject. one gets hooked to it...

[@elynnzaki1059]

The best video about clouds on KZbin. I am a horticulture student, thank you so much!

[@MelStrong]

Thank you and may the clouds bring water to your horticultural endeavors!

[@glorytoglorzo5591]

I really appreciate this lecture. This helps me a lot training for aircraft dispatching.

[@lmdevlin27]

I am bored at work since theres nothing to do here because of covid, so I decided to learn about clouds! (Love them! So intresting) This was SO informative & thorough. Every time I had a question about something you said, you always answered it! Wish you were my teacher in school

[@MelStrong]

And the best thing is that it sounds like you are getting paid to watch my lecture LOL

[@Namariedelos60]

I loved your lecture, I'm gonna keep watching them as I find them really useful. Also, I love your cat.

[@Skydenski]

Awesome lecture, I like the non exaggerated humors slipped in here and there. It was easy to understand and fun to watch. Really appreciate this video

[@MelStrong]

Thanks much appreciated

[@alyssalucore2256]

Thank you for this video! I am working on my private pilot license and this has helped so much. This is such an easy to understand and educational video. You rock!!!

[@katrinmcmiddle5747]

What type of cloud would your cat be? I'd say it's a CUTE-ulus :3

[@MelStrong]

GOOD ONE

[@itzrenzo8960]

My cat is a stratocumulus

[@thestraightroad305]

It even has puffy edges.

[@abhi8923]

Bro u on drugs 👽👽

[@sluasidhe4898]

If it’s producing purrcipitation, then it’s a Cumulotombus.

[@andyharcup7124]

Thank you very much for making this video I am completing my pilots license and this has been immensely useful! 🙏🙏👏

[@TheCalvinSkinner]

Awesome video! I've been looking for a video like for a while. Thank you and I love the big cat.

[@AnnaM-rk1ef]

about to watch all of your lectures. quarantine has got me more interested in clouds and weather than ever before!

[@MelStrong]

Did you survive?

[@pasuruan30]

Thank you very much for this lecture. I have not known this lecture and just found it on suggested video by KZbin. This so much more understandable. Thankyou sir

[@rasstocom]

Perfect lecture.You have talent for teaching. Thank you 👍🙏

[@briandwi2504]

Superb lecture. The time lapse images were very helpful. Thank you!

[@iamaleftii7395]

A thousand thanks to you from my side. I thought of loosing my dream. you make my heart smile in that situation

[@greendoorproperties5699]

Thank you, another student pilot here. Best cloud video ever!

[@zx2343]

I haven't seen such a clear tutorial regarding complex metereological system

[@PatrickFelingo]

THANK YOU!!! You couldn't have explained this better!

[@brianr1840]

Sir, Your video series on weather is very enjoyable to watch and is helping study for my airline transport certificate (ATP) exam which is very heavy on weather as it relates to flying. Thank you for taking the time to explain and make a complicated subject easy to grasp. Also as a cat owner of three cats, I like your fluffy cats.

[@sienalesher6925]

Thank you so much for making this public, I actually broke out my iPad and took notes!!

[@MelStrong]

Real notes or doodles from being bored? :)

[@itzrenzo8960]

Stratus and startocumulus are the clouds that form my cloudy weather. Cool!

[@julienppl]

Hello, I am also a student pilot, and all your lectures are very useful. Thank you for sharing your knowledge so clearly.

[@frithfiver]

You are a phenomenal teacher - thank you!

[@KK-wk3wk]

Hi Mel, Thanks so much for all your lectures. I'm learning lots from home so much great info. Love the cat's too nice addition to your videos. All the best from Canada!

[@MelStrong]

Thanks - glad you learned something!

[@nadiapavlof1606]

Best explanation I've seen. Am looking forward to watching your other vids. Adorable feline assistant.

[@MelStrong]

Adorable but fat feline assistant says thanks!

[@robertbondar6640]

"...and this photo was taken just before the Zebra was abducted" LMAO! I just want to say thank you for making this. I am currently studying for my commercial drone pilots license and stumbled upon your video, this was exactly what I was looking for. It helped me solidify my understanding of cloud types and their heights. You did an excellent job conveying the information and showing examples along the way also was helpful.

[@lucianoeikensenaha9093]

Thank you for your video. Very educative, very clear, and scientific! Good language, good presentation. How can people live their lives without knowing this principles of our planet! Congratulations!

[@oscaroscar9053]

thank you so much for the great presentation.It's very clear and logical and helpful.

[@sebs9511]

Learning for my Private Pilot meteorology exam. This is extremely helpful. Thank you!

[@MelStrong]

Thanks - hope it helped!

[@miroir5160]

Thanx. Also a big like 👍 for the beautiful cats. The chief meteorology expert showed up at the end to see if everything went right 🙂

[@auspilot6119]

Thank you so much for uploading this Mel. I’m studying here in Australia for my Commercial Pilot Licence Meteorology exam. I’d really been struggling to wrap my head around identifying cloud types, and this really helped where all the text books couldn’t!

[@MelStrong]

Thanks...I believe the clouds down there are upside so you should turn your monitor around to watch this

[@OrhanBaser1]

Excellent presentation; thank you very much!

[@allisonmerz4356]

This was so helpful and exactly what I was looking for thanks!!

[@MelStrong]

OK great

[@dogstank]

This was terrific. Thanks for making this.

[@zapptos1792]

Thank you! I am a hobbyist game developer, and I've been looking to get better with my clouds. This really helped a lot!

[@MelStrong]

OK cool glad it helped!

[@allisonmerz4356]

Was not expecting the rocking drum intro

[@StevenShulman]

thank you for the explanation! this makes much more sense now

[@AdhamNafea]

as Student pilot, why i didnt find your channel earlier, THANKS much appreciated.

[@kayrod57]

This video is amazingly informative (for those taking Climate and Weather classes) 😃

[@hayhay7789]

Incredibly useful to me as a student pilot. Subbed :)

[@stephenlam4820]

Brilliant presentation!! Thank you very much.

[@susilk786]

Very good explanation! Thank you

[@dreameryxd]

This is a very good lecture. Thank you

[@DilipSirisena]

Am excellent clarification. Clear, descriptive.

[@deeoneandonly069]

love the lecture, live in the pnw and love the lenticular cloud part.