What type of cloud is typically found at the highest altitude?

Cirrus clouds are indeed found at the highest altitudes among the cloud types listed. They form at altitudes typically above 20,000 feet (approximately 6,000 meters) and are composed of ice crystals due to the colder temperatures at these elevations. These clouds appear wispy and thin, resembling strands or filaments, and are often indicative of weather changes, such as the approach of a warm front.

In contrast, cumulus clouds are generally lower in altitude, typically forming between 1,000 and 6,000 feet, and are associated with fair weather. Nimbostratus clouds usually exist at relatively low to middle altitudes and are thick, moisture-laden clouds that produce steady precipitation. Stratus clouds also form at low altitudes, creating a uniform gray layer that often covers the sky and can lead to overcast conditions.

Understanding cloud types in relation to their altitudes helps meteorologists predict weather patterns and recognize the presence of various atmospheric phenomena.