Revised and edited by Tracy Sikes, Mount Bethel Elementary

When water vapor in the air becomes liquid water or ice crystals.

How do clouds form?

CondensationWhen the water vapor reaches the high cool air, it turns into water drops that form the clouds.This is condensation and is part of the water cycle.

TYPES OF CLOUDSThere are many types of clouds.Clouds are classified by:1. Their color

2. Their shape and size 3. Where they form in the

atmosphere.

STRATUSSheets of low, grey clouds that bring light

snow, rain, or drizzle.

FOGA cloud in contact with the ground. Fog is a

type of Stratus cloud.

NIMBOSTRATUSThicker layer than stratus clouds that

completely block out the sun. They cause steady rain or snow.

CUMULUSWhite and puffy clouds that usually

mean good weather.

CUMULUSCumulus clouds are fun to watch.People often see “pictures” in the sky made by Cumulus clouds.

CUMULONIMBUSDark, towering clouds that are also called “thunderheads”. These clouds produce

heavy rain, thunder, and lighting.

CUMULONIMBUSOften referred to as Nimbus.

CIRRUSThin, featherlike clouds that are made of ice

crystals high in the atmosphere. Usually means a change in the weather is coming.

CIRRUS CLOUDS

What does the color of a cloud tell you?

The color of a cloud lets you know how much water it contains.White clouds have little water.Dark clouds usually mean

heavy rain.Grey clouds can mean

snow or rain.

Where do clouds form?

Clouds form along weather fronts.