1. Chapter 10, Lesson 5 Clouds and Precipitation
stratus clouds
cirrus clouds
cumulus clouds
nimbus clouds
alto clouds
fog
hail
sleet
nucleus
overcast
clear
scattered clouds
Chapter 10, Lesson 5 Clouds and Precipitation

2. stratus – Stratus clouds form in blanket-like layers
stratus – Stratus clouds form in blanket-like layers. They hang low in the troposphere most of the time.

3. cirrus – Cirrus clouds form at high altitudes and are made of ice crystals. They are thin-looking, wispy clouds.

4. cumulus – puffy clouds. They appear flat at the bottom and they are in the middle of the troposphere.

5. nimbus – if rain or snow falls from a cloud, you add “nimbo” or “nimbus” to a cloud’s name.
cumulonimbus
nimbostratus

6. alto – “alto” means middle-level clouds
alto – “alto” means middle-level clouds. If you see “alto” in a cloud’s name, you’ll find it in the middle of the troposphere.
altocumulus
altostratus

7. fog – a cloud at ground level.

8. hail – pellets or lumps of ice
hail – pellets or lumps of ice. Usually hail falls when it’s warm outside. If you hear hail, a tornado might be nearby.

9. How is hail formed?

10. sleet – precipitation that freezes as it falls though air that is below freezing in temperature.

11. How is sleet formed? First, let’s talk about snow!

12. How is sleet formed? Next, let’s talk about freezing rain!

13. NOW! How is sleet formed?

14. nucleus – the nucleus of a precipitation droplet is usually dust in the atmosphere. Nucleus means “center.”
atmospheric
dust
nucleus of
a cell

15. overcast – the skies are completely covered with clouds.
Weather station model for overcast skies.

16. clear – the skies are clear of clouds
Weather station model for clear skies.

17. scattered clouds – clouds are scattered throughout the sky
Weather station model for scattered clouds

18. partly cloudy – the sky is about half clouds and half clear
Weather station model for partly cloudy

19. mostly cloudy – it’s almost overcast; very little blue sky is showing
Weather station model for mostly