Water in the Atmosphere Chapter 2.4 Pages 61-66

Cloud Formation 1. Air is warmed and rises Infrared Radiation Heats Surface. Evaporates water.

Cloud Formation 2. Air Expands as it rises Air Cools at the Dry Adiabatic Lapse Rate (Dry ALR= 10°C for every 1km)

Cloud Formation 3. Condensation Occurs Must occur on condensation nuclei Dust Salt Smoke

Cloud Formation 4. Condensation Level The level at which condensation occurs. Relative humidity = 100% Temp and Dew Point are =

Cloud Formation 5. Cloud forms Air now cools at the Wet ALR= 5-9°C Cools slower because condensation releases some heat.

Exit Pass Describe two of the Global Winds (Where is it located, H or L pressure, direction, etc.)

Cloud Identification Chapter 2.4 Pages 63-66

Cumulus Mean’s heap or mass, have a rounded, cotton-like appearance Fair weather clouds Form at altitude less than 2km Can grow to be very tall, as high as 18km.

Altocumulus Look the same as Cumulus clouds In Italian, Alto means ‘high’ Alto means that they form at a higher altitude, between 2 and 6km.

Cumulonimbus What does this cloud make you think of? The suffix Nimbus means rain Thunderstorm clouds, sometimes called thunderheads Tallest clouds, they grow from cumulus clouds. Produce heavy rainfall.

Stratus Strato means “spread out” Stratus are flat, layered clouds Usually cover most of the sky, creating “Overcast” days They go ‘straight across the sky’

Nimbostratus The prefix Nimbus means rain When flat, layered stratus clouds thicken Bring drizzle, rain, or snow Accompany warm fronts.

Altostratus Prefix Alto Stratus clouds high in the atmosphere, between 2 and 6km.

Cirrus Clouds Feathery “hooked” ends; wispy Made up of ice crystals First to arrive with a warm front.

Cirrocumulus Look like cumulus clouds High in the atmosphere, above 6km Made of ice crystals.

Mammatus Clouds Round, downward-extending protrusions. Bag-like Usually occurs along with some cumulonimbus clouds May indicate very severe weather.

Fog A cloud that occurs at or near the ground Forms when the ground cools after a warm humid day The air above the ground cools to the dew point The sun “burns” off the fog (evaporates).

Exit Pass Describe two of the three major cloud types and the type of weather they are associated with.

Question Explain how clouds are classified? Use the Sky Watcher Chart to help you.

Quiz Directions: Read each question. Click on the letter of your choice. If you get a question wrong, the button will turn red. Try again. If you get the question right, move on to the next question by clicking the arrow. Click the arrow to the right to begin. Main Menu

Quiz 1. These clouds cover the sky and bring rain, snow or sleet. A Stratus B Cirrus C Cumulus D Nimbostratus

Quiz 2. What type of cloud is feathery or wispy? A Cirrus B Stratus C Cumulus D Nimbus

Quiz 3. What type of cloud means “heap” or “pile”? A Stratus B Cirrus C Cumulus D Mammatus

Quiz 4. Identify this cloud that occurs on the ground. A Cirrus B Cumulus C Stratus D Fog

Quiz 5. Identify this Cloud: A Cirrus B Mammatus C Cumulus D Cumulonimbus

Great Job! Congratulations on being able to correctly identify the types of clouds! You are on your way to becoming a meteorologist. Keep up the great work! Read pages 63-66 Main Menu