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Title
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Understanding Clouds
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Type
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Primary: Mission Briefing Article
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Operation
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Monster Storms
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Mission:
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Mission 2: The Plot Condenses
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Print Page
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38,39
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Subjects
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Science | Earth and space science | Weather | Clouds | Physical science | States of matter
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Grades
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5 | 6 | 7 | 8
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Keywords
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cloud, water vapor, condensation, weather condition, rain, precipitation, cloud type, cumulus cloud, altocumulus cloud, cumulonimbus cloud, nimbostratus cloud, stratocumulus cloud, cirrus cloud, stratus cloud, cirrocumulus cloud, storm cloud, weather indicator
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Duration
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00:00:00 (HH:MM:SS)
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Audience
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Teachers | Elementary Grades | Junior High
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Created On
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5/19/2007
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Copyright
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Photos courtesy of NOAA Photo Library/National Weather Service (NWS)
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From: Monster Storms Mission 2: The Plot Condenses (pp: 38,39) |
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Understanding Clouds Find out about clouds and how they relate to weather as you read this article. Also included is a chart to help you identify various types of clouds so you can prepare for the weather changes they indicate. |
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Cirrus clouds occur above 5500 m (18,055 ft) and indicate fair weather, but may warn of coming precipitation. |
Have you ever been in a rainstorm under a cloudless sky? Of course not! That’s because it is clouds that act as an overhead reservoir, storing the water that will fall as precipitation.
Within a cloud, water collects as either ice crystals or liquid droplets. Most condensation or deposition occurs on small particles of smoke or dust. These specks offer a surface on which water vapor can collect as it changes from a gas to a liquid or a solid. These phase changes begin with the formation of microscopic droplets or ice crystals. As water vapor continues to release energy, the ice crystals and water droplets become large enough to be seen and produce the distinct appearance of a cloud.
Although the smallest droplets can be kept aloft by winds within the clouds, the larger droplets are too heavy to remain in the sky. Gravity overcomes any air updrafts, and the droplets fall in some form of precipitation.
Light rain sometimes falls from stratocumulus clouds that form below 2000 m (6560 ft). |
Clouds are good indicators of upcoming weather. Their formation and changes can tell us what type of weather to expect. This kind of forecasting doesn’t require high-tech tools. All you need are your eyes. To make your own weather forecasts, look at the sky each day. Note the types of clouds you see. Then, note the kind of weather that follows the appearance of those clouds. Over time, you will see connections between cloud types and upcoming weather.
Altocumulus clouds are often arranged in parallel layers occurring between 2000 m (6560 ft) and 5500 m (18,055 ft). |
As you’ll discover, each type of cloud is often associated with a particular type of weather. Refer to the cloud chart on the bottom of this page as you read the descriptions that follow.
- High, thin clouds, such as cirrus clouds, usually indicate fair, sunny weather.
- Altocumulus clouds, high, fluffy clouds that look like little pillows arranged in parallel rows, often precede colder weather.
- Darker, more dense nimbostratus clouds may indicate a steady, continuous rain or snow.
- Lighter, less dense stratocumulus clouds often precede precipitation.
 Cumulonimbus clouds are thunderstorm clouds. These dark, towering clouds can reach high into the atmosphere and may bring severe weather.
Scientists such as Robbie Hood are interested in what is happening inside storm clouds. They want to know more about clouds and their ice and liquid water contents. Measuring the amount of ice and water in storm clouds can help scientists infer the potential impact of a hurricane or other major storm.
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