Clouds and their characteristics

How Clouds form Clouds form when warm air moves upward, as the air moves up it gets colder,

Cumulus Clouds White and puffy, resemble cotton balls Lifetime is 40-45 mins. Air bubbles called “Thermals” are inside these clouds giving them their appearance Can cause short, heavy rainfall Partly responsible for creating cold fronts Warm air rises, then cools and condenses to form a cumulus cloud

Cirrus Clouds Thin and wispy Generally occur in fair weather Considered “high clouds” Usually move from west in east

Stratus Clouds Usually associated with overcast weather Fog or mist are usually results of low stratus clouds Known for drizzle When heavy rain falls from them their title is changed to “nimbostratus”

Nimbus Clouds A cloud in which rain or snow is falling from it Dark, dense, and low Sky is usually dark Form when air is cooled

Time for a game! I will read descriptions of the types of clouds we have discussed, after each description hold up the picture of the cloud you believe fits the description We will play within our groups First, as a warm up, I will show each name and hold up the corresponding picture

Cumulus

Nimbus

Stratus

Cirrus

The result of these clouds are usually fog and mist Description 1: The result of these clouds are usually fog and mist

Answer: Stratus Clouds

Description 2: Dark, dense and low

Answer: Nimbus Clouds

Description 3: Thin and wispy Associated with fair weather

Answer: Cirrus Clouds

Description 4 White and puffy Lifetime of 40-45 minutes

Answer Cumulus clouds