HRV (High Resolution Visible) satellite images capture reflected visible sunlight, providing high-detail views of cloud structures during daylight hours. The way clouds appear in these images depends largely on their optical thickness, altitude, and particle composition.

Convective clouds, such as Cumulus (Cu) and Cumulonimbus (Cb), have strong vertical development and well-defined outlines. In HRV images, they often appear as bright, compact white spots, especially when isolated or forming in fair weather conditions.

• Cumulus clouds are typically scattered and small.
• Cumulonimbus clouds can appear similarly but with larger size and may cast shadows due to their height.

Other cloud types appear differently:

• Cirrus (Ci): Thin, streak-like patterns, often semi-transparent and elongated.
• Stratus (St): Appear as dull, extensive, uniform grey areas with very little texture or shadow.
• Nimbostratus (Ns): Thick, layered cloud decks that look widespread and diffuse with no distinct edges.