CLOUDS

Clouds Clouds can help us predict weather. Each type of cloud forms in its own way and brings us a certain type of weather.

How do clouds form? Clouds are water Clouds form when water vapor turns back into liquid water droplets - CONDENSATION Air cools enough enough water vapor is added to the air The cooling that forms a clouds occurs when air rises and cools high in the sky Each tiny cloud droplet is light enough to float in the air

The air has to have some dirt in it! Air has to be a little dirty to form clouds Water vapor needs a surface on which to condense All our has really small dust particles in it which allows the water to attach and eventually form clouds

How are clouds classified? Altitude – How high a cloud is in the sky Shape – The shape of a cloud Precipitation – If the clouds produces rain, snow, sleet or hail Information from

Three types of clouds… Cumulus Clouds Stratus Clouds Cirrus Clouds

CUMULUS CLOUDS In Latin, this means "heap" Cumulus clouds look like a heap of cotton balls Form on sunny days from pockets of rising air Cumulus clouds usually mean fair weather

STRATUS CLOUDS It's Latin for "covering" or "blanket" Stratus clouds look like a flat blanket in the sky These clouds are often dark and gloomy, and are associated with rain and drizzle Stratus clouds can sometimes rest on the ground or sea instead of up in the air, and they are then called ‘fog’

CIRRUS CLOUDS It's Latin for "curl" Cirrus clouds look like curls of white hair. High and thin Made of ice crystals Signal of bad weather

CUMULONIMBUS Tall, deep and dark and can bring lightning, heavy rain and even severe weather such as hail, damaging winds or tornadoes

Pictures All pictures are from Microsoft Clipart.