Let’s look at the different cloud types!

Cumulus  Description: fluffy, rounded piles of cotton  Means: “heap” or “mass”  Height: low level (below 2 km – 18 km)  Weather: indicate FAIR weather

Cumulus Mounds of clouds with flat bases; bright white in the sun; fine weather

Cumulonimbus  Description: towering clouds with flat tops  Means: “rain”  Height: mid to high level (tall – vertical development)  Weather: often produce thunderstorms

Cumulonimbus Dense, dark thundercloud; storms coming

Stratus  Description: flat layers  Means: “spread out”  Height: low level  Weather: as they thicken can produce rain, drizzle, and snow

Stratus Thick, gray, low-level sheet; similar to fog; can cover high ground

Nimbostratus  Description: As stratus clouds thicken they are called nimbostratus  Means: “rain” and “spread out”  Height: low level  Weather: rain, drizzle, or snow

Nimbostratus Gray layer; often dark; blots out the sun; rain or snow

Cirrus  Description: wispy, feathery, thin, white  Means: “curl of hair”  Height: high level (above 6 km. where temp. is low)  Weather: Usually indicate fair weather

Cirrus Wispy, high-level clouds; made of ice crystals; weather is about to change

3 Things Clouds Need to Form  1. High humidity  2. A surface for the water to condense on (ex. dust)  3. A change in temperature

Play the Cloud Game!  Go to this website to quiz yourself on the types of clouds: hool/dondero/msm/weather/game.h tml hool/dondero/msm/weather/game.h tml

More websites to explore…  Weather Wiz Kids W  All About Clouds at USA Today All About Clouds All About Clouds At this website, you learn about the different kinds of clouds, their location, where they were formed, and more!  Cloud Boutique at the PSC Meteorology Program Cloud Boutique Cloud Boutique Here you can find explanations of and access to detailed pictures of some basic cloud forms.  Clouds Clouds This site explains about clouds and how scientists measure them. There's also information on the water cycle, including evaporation, precipitation, and evapotranspiration.  Cool Clouds for "Kids" of All Ages Cool Clouds for "Kids" of All Ages Cool Clouds for "Kids" of All Ages Go through the photos sequentially within each group.