CloudsCloudsBy Ms. AdamsBy Ms. Adams

CloudsClouds

Clouds can usually be seen in the sky Clouds can usually be seen in the sky everyday. everyday.

They come in all shapes and sizes and bring They come in all shapes and sizes and bring with them all sorts of weather. with them all sorts of weather.

A cloud is simply a visible mass of tiny A cloud is simply a visible mass of tiny water dropletswater droplets

Rain develops when growing cloud droplets Rain develops when growing cloud droplets become too heavy to remain in the cloud become too heavy to remain in the cloud and as a result, fall toward the surface as and as a result, fall toward the surface as rain. rain.

Cirrus Clouds

• Altitude: 25,000–35,000 ft.

• ice crystal clouds which look like horse tails

• They are light and feathery

• Usually means fair weather

Cirrocumulus

• Altitude: 25,000–30,000 ft.

• ice crystal clouds in small cumulus puffs

Altocumulus

• Altitude: 7,000–23,000 ft.

• puffy clouds which look like fish scales

• may have dark undersides

Cumulus

• Altitude: 3,000–10,000 ft.

• fair weather clouds which develop vertically

• These are puffy clouds

Cumulonimbus

• Altitude: 3,000–75,000 ft.

• thunderheads which extend from low altitudes to high altitudes

• These clouds produce lightning, thunder, heavy rains, hail, strong winds, and tornados.

Stratus

• Altitude: Surface (fog)–5,000 ft.

• thick, gray clouds which blanket the sky

• These usually bring rain or snow

Clouds from space!