Courtney, be careful who you ask for technical information and trust as your sources.

* Are your friends meteorologists or scientists?
* If they are scientists, do they publish their findings in peer- reviewed journals?

The subject of atmospheric change via global warming is complex and even the top scientists disagree on the subject of climate change. It goes far beyond clouds, the atmosphere is a continuous physical body including effects from the Sun, Moon, and the Earth. Common clouds shapes are well-known, you can learn about them here-

wiki on clouds

If you are in school, maybe you could ask your teacher for more books to read on clouds.