1. Let’s look at the different cloud types!

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

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

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

5. Cumulonimbus Dense, dark thundercloud; storms coming

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

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

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

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

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

16. More websites to explore…  Weather Wiz Kids W http://www.weatherwizkids.com/cloud.htm  All About Clouds at USA Today All About Clouds All About Clouds http://www.usatoday.com/weather/wcloud0.htm 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 http://vortex.plymouth.edu/clouds.html Here you can find explanations of and access to detailed pictures of some basic cloud forms.  Clouds Clouds http://www-airs.jpl.nasa.gov/html/edu/clouds/Cloud_introduction.html 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 http://pals.agron.iastate.edu/carlson/main.html Go through the photos sequentially within each group.