What are

Clouds?

Types of Clouds

• Clouds come in many shapes and forms. Some are high in the sky, while others are so low they touch the ground. No matter what shape or elevation, clouds form the same way, by water vapor condense onto small solid particles like dust and pollution.

• Clouds serve several important functions. One of these is providing rain and snow. They also help retain heat, so it doesn’t escape quickly back into space. On hot days, clouds provide shade.

Three Types of Clouds

• There are THREE main groups of clouds.–1. Cirrus–2. Stratus–3. Cumulus

Nimbus

•Nimbus is another word associated with clouds. Adding “nimbus” means precipitation is falling from the cloud.

“Alto” Clouds

• Clouds with the prefix "alto" are middle level clouds that have bases between 2000 and 7000 m (6500 to 23,000 ft.).

• Altocumulus clouds are middle level clouds that are made of water droplets and appear as gray, puffy masses, sometimes rolled out in parallel waves or bands. The appearance of these clouds on a warm, humid summer morning often means thunderstorms may occur by late afternoon.

Cirrus Clouds(Precipitation Family)

• Characteristics– Cirrus clouds are high wispy ice

particles clouds – Sign of good weather but a change

in weather• Weather predictions:

– Small amounts of cirrus are signs of fair weather

– Lots of thick cirrus are a sign of STORMS.

• Precipitation:– none

Other types of Cirrus Clouds:• Cirrocumulus

(Heap & Layer Family)– Characteristics: High

level layered cloud with wave like or fine structure

– Weather Prediction: Storms on the way

– Precipitation: NONE

Other types of Cirrus Clouds:• Cirrostratus

(Stratus & Layer Family)• Characteristics: Thin, white ice crystal clouds, very high in atmosphere.

Make a halo around the sun or moon.• Weather predictions: Warm front on the way, not stormy• Precipitation: NONE

Stratus Clouds(Stratus or Layer Family)

• Characteristics– Stratus clouds look like flat sheets

of clouds. These clouds can mean an overcast day or rain. They may stay in one place for several days.

– Stratus clouds can often be fog and mist.

– Low level clouds• Weather predictions:

– Cold if in the winter-• Precipitation:

– Light rain , drizzle, or flurries, but mostly overcast.

More Stratus Clouds:• Stratocumulus

(Heap & Layer Family)• Characteristics: Low layered

cloud with bumpy heap-like formation. Dark and heavy at low or lower-middle heights.

• Weather Prediction: High pressure , not much happening

• Precipitation: Rain or snow very likely

More Stratus Clouds:• Nimbostratus

(Precipitation Family)• Characteristics: Dense

gray-blue cloud• Weather prediction:

Too late for prediction!• Precipitation: Heavy

continuous rain or snow from passing warm front

Cumulus Clouds(Cumulus or Heap Family)

• Characteristics:– Fluffy lower clouds that often

“grow” during sunny days. – The bottom of cumulus clouds

are fairly close to the ground.• Weather Prediction:

– Cumulus clouds that do not get very tall are indicators of fair weather.

– If they do grow tall, they can turn into thunderstorms.

• Precipitation:– Rain/snow showers at times

Other Cumulus Clouds• Cumulonimbus

(Precipitation Family)• Characteristics: Giant

thunderhead clouds that tower to high heights, often forms ‘anvil’ on top. Thunder, lightning, rainbows.

• Weather prediction: Means a big storm! Too late! Hurry and get inside!

• Precipitation: Rain, snow, sleet, hail, could be any of those!

Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus Clouds

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Cumulonimbus clouds are “thunderheads” that can be seen on a warm summer day and can bring strong winds, hail, and rain.

Other Cumulus Clouds:• Altocumulus

(Heap & Layer Family)• Characteristics: Thick blue-grey blanket-

like clouds made of ice and water.

• Weather Predictions: Unsettled and possibly stormy weather to come

• Precipitation: Very rare

Note the altitudes of the different clouds shown.

What did you learn?

1. What are the three main types of clouds?Answers: cirrus, stratus, cumulus

2. How are clouds formed?Answer: Water vapor condenses onto small solid particles like dust, sea salt, and pollution.