1. CLOUDS
Types and details

2. How Clouds Form
Form when water vapor in the air condenses in to liquid drops or ice crystals.
Must condense on small particles in the air (dust, pollen, etc…)
Condense when vapor reaches upper levels of the troposphere and cool.

3. Classification of Clouds
Clouds are classified into 4 main types of clouds based on their altitude and shape.
The word parts of each of these 4 types are combined to create over 10 cloud names.

4. Cumulus
Description: fluffy, cotton ball like clouds. Associated with good weather.
Altitude: low to the ground (lower than 2km)

5. Stratus
Description: Flat layered clouds that cover most of the sky. As they thicken, they may produce rain.
Altitude: low

6. Cirrus Description: Wispy, feathery clouds made of ice crystals.
Altitude: High in the sky (above 6km)

7. Nimbus
Description: Dark grey clouds that cover the whole sky and produce rain.
Altitude: Low

8. Your turn….

11. Can you ID this one?

12. The Combination Clouds
Most clouds are combinations of two or more basic types.
If clouds are in the mid layers (2-6km), we use the prefix alto-
Altocumulus

13. Other Alto- Clouds
Altostratus
Altocirrus

14. Other Combo. Clouds
Stratocumulus
Cirrocumulus

15. Even more combos.
Stratocumulus
Cumulonimbus

16. Other Cool Pics