Objective: 2/26/2013 List three types of cloud forms. Intro Write Q&A in notebook: What do you think is happening when you exhale and see a “cloud” of breath in cold temperatures?

Clouds

Condensation Water vapor needs a surface to condense on

Collection of small water droplets or ice crystals suspended in air Cloud Collection of small water droplets or ice crystals suspended in air Forms when the air is cooled and condensation occurs Droplets can only form on solid surfaces Dust particles mostly

Three main types: Classified by: Cumulus clouds Stratus clouds Cirrus clouds Form Altitude

Cumulus Clouds Puffy, white clouds with flat bottoms Indicate fair weather If they get very large, can form thunderstorms (cumulonimbus cloud)

Stratus clouds Form in layers Cover large areas of the sky and block out the Sun Lower in altitude Nimbostratus clouds – dark and rains continuously Fog – stratus cloud on the ground

Cirrus clouds Thin, feathery, white clouds Form at very high altitudes where winds are strong Made of ice crystals Indicate a change of weather is coming

When clouds become full of water, they release it as either: Precipitation When clouds become full of water, they release it as either: Rain – liquid water falls to ground Snow – water freezes into snowflakes that fall to ground Sleet (flipchart) Hail (flipchart)

Objective: 2/26/2013 List three types of cloud forms. Outro At what altitude would you find a altostratus cloud? (low, medium, high)