Download create your own cloud

3.5.7.C Describe the Basic
Elements of Meteorology
UNDERSTANDING CLOUDS
Clouds are usually the most obvious feature of the sky.
They reflect weather patterns and play a role in what
the weather does. They are sources of precipitation
as well as affect the temperatures of our atmosphere.
Clouds block incoming sunlight during the day, which
cools the air, but they can also block outgoing radiation
from the Earth, which can warm temperatures.
WHAT ARE CLOUDS
Clouds are water,
either small liquid
water drops or
tiny pieces of ice.
Meteorologists rank
clouds according to
their height and
whether they are
puffy or flat.
HOW ARE CLOUDS FORMED
Clouds form when the air
rises and evaporation and
transpiration occurs.
As temperatures and air
pressure drop, water
droplets clump together
causing condensation or a
cloud.
When the droplets are too
heavy to float in the air
they fall to the ground in
the form of rain or snow
called, precipitation.
CLOUD CLASSIFICATION
 Cirrus-high level clouds that have bases
below 7,000 feet
 Cumulus- mid-level clouds that have bases
between 7000-18,000 feet
 Stratus-low level clouds that have bases
below 6,500 feet
CIRRUS
High altitude and wispy
Composed of ice crystals
Thin with hair-like strands
Some have a wavelike
appearance
 Some have a sheet-like
appearance
 Are usually thin allowing
moonlight and sun to
shine through
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CUMULUS
 Contains ice crystals
or rain
 Usually puffy
 Noticeable vertical
development
 Have popcorn appearance
 Can be widely scattered
or clumped
 Appears thick
STRATUS
 Lowest of the low
clouds
 Appear as an
overcast, but can be
scattered
 Can be in layers
Your Turn
 Using your knowledge about the three basic
types of clouds, create your own cloud.
 You may use any materials you wish to
make your cloud.
 Create your cloud, attach your name and
the type of cloud you created.
 The project is worth 25 Points!
 Have Fun!