Topic: Clouds PSSA: C / S8.D.2.1

Objective: TLW compare the different types of clouds. TLW compare the different types of clouds. TLW describe how clouds form. TLW describe how clouds form. TLW explain how clouds can be used to make short term weather predictions. TLW explain how clouds can be used to make short term weather predictions.

MI #1: What are Clouds A cloud is a collection of millions of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that have formed on dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. A cloud is a collection of millions of tiny water droplets or ice crystals that have formed on dust particles suspended in the atmosphere. Clouds are classified by form and altitude. Clouds are classified by form and altitude.

MI #2: Cumulus Clouds Puffy white clouds with flat bottoms are called cumulus clouds. Puffy white clouds with flat bottoms are called cumulus clouds. These clouds form when warm air rises and are generally seen during fair weather. These clouds form when warm air rises and are generally seen during fair weather. Cumulonimbus clouds are tall, dark clouds that form from fast rising air and bring thunderstorms. Cumulonimbus clouds are tall, dark clouds that form from fast rising air and bring thunderstorms.

MI #3: Stratus Clouds Stratus clouds are layered clouds that cover large areas of the sky and are often associated with precipitation. Stratus clouds are layered clouds that cover large areas of the sky and are often associated with precipitation. Nimbostratus clouds bring light to heavy continual rain. Nimbostratus clouds bring light to heavy continual rain.

MI #4: Cirrus Clouds Cirrus clouds are feathery, high altitude clouds. Cirrus clouds are feathery, high altitude clouds. They are usually seen during fair weather, but indicate that a change in weather is coming. They are usually seen during fair weather, but indicate that a change in weather is coming.

MI #5: Clouds and Altitude Clouds are also classified by the altitude at which they form. Clouds are also classified by the altitude at which they form. High altitude clouds are formed from ice crystals, low altitude clouds are formed from water droplets, and middle altitude clouds are formed from either. High altitude clouds are formed from ice crystals, low altitude clouds are formed from water droplets, and middle altitude clouds are formed from either.

MI #6: Root Words Used in Naming Cloud Types Cirro = high altitude clouds Cirro = high altitude clouds Alto = middle altitude clouds Alto = middle altitude clouds Nimbo or nimbus = clouds that form precipitation Nimbo or nimbus = clouds that form precipitation

So What…? Real Life Application Understanding cloud formation and cloud types allows us to understand what types of clouds are associated with different types of weather. Understanding cloud formation and cloud types allows us to understand what types of clouds are associated with different types of weather.