Clouds 6.E.2B.1

 Clouds are classified by their basic shape.  Each shape is associated with different weather patterns.

3 Main Shapes of Clouds  Cumulus  Cirrus  Stratus

Cumulus  Puffy with flat bottoms

 Usually signal fair weather

 When they are darker, they may signal rain or thunderstorms as they develop into cumulonimbus clouds (storm heads or thunder heads)  Latin word for “heap” or “pile”

(draw for Cumulus) Cumulonimbus

Cirrus  Form at very high elevations

 Wispy looking, usually consisting of ice crystals

 Signals fair weather or an approaching warm front.  Latin word for “curl” or “fringe”

(draw for cirrus)

Stratus  Grayish clouds, spread out layer upon layer, covering a large area.

 As they thicken, long periods of precipitation can occur over that area.  Latin word for “layer”

(draw for stratus)

Other types of Clouds  “Nimbus” means rain… Nimbostratus would mean a “stratus rain cloud”  “Alto” means high… Altocumulus would mean a “high cumulus cloud”  Fog: clouds that form on or near the ground.