Clouds Types and Weather

Cloud Formation Formed when air is cooled and condensation occurs

Cloud Types

Cumulus (heap) Description – Puffy, piled up Altitude – Low or middle Weather Predicted – Nice, sunny weather

Stratus (layered) Description – Light gray, covers sky, puffy, layered Altitude – Low Weather Predicted – Hazy and sometimes drizzly

Nimbostratus (rain, layered) Description – Flattened with layers, very dark gray, covers sky Altitude – Low Weather Predicted – Long, hard rains

Altocumulus (high, heap) Description – Layers of cotton balls, puffy Altitude – Middle to high Weather Predicted – May bring rain or snow – On a warm day, thunderstorms later

Cirrus (curl) Description – Wispy, curly, thin Altitude – High Weather Predicted – Nice at first, signal a change in the weather

Cirrocumulus (thin, heap) Description – Small layered puffs, fish scales Altitude – High Weather Predicted – Usually seen during winter – Fair but cold weather

Cumulonimbus (heap, rain) Description – Anvil shaped, thunderhead Altitude – Low to high Weather Predicted – Thunderstorms and severe weather, sometimes tornadoes

Cloud Type Concept Check!

cumulonimbus

cirrus

altocumulus

cumulus

nimbostratus

stratus

cumulonimbus

Sequencing – Put in order Water vapor condenses on smoke, dust, salt, and other small particles suspended in the air The relative humidity of the air increases Warm air rises and cools Air eventually becomes saturated Millions of tiny drops of liquid water collect to form a cloud

Sequencing – Answer Warm air rises and cools The relative humidity of the air increases Air eventually becomes saturated Water vapor condenses on smoke, dust, salt, and other small particles suspended in the air Millions of tiny drops of liquid water collect to form a cloud