Have you ever ever seemed on the clouds and puzzled how they kind, impression the climate or why they’re completely different styles and sizes?
I’ve created a primary cloud spotter information and picked up my favorite science actions about clouds into one place. First, we’ll take a look at learn how to recognise various kinds of clouds after which share concepts for studying about clouds.
When and naming clouds, two issues to contemplate are whether or not the cloud is layered or heaped and its altitude.
Fast information to cloud names
Stratus means layered or unfold out.
Cumulus means heaped or piled.
Nimbus means rain bearing.
Cirrus means excessive.
Low Altitude Clouds – under 2km
Low Clouds – layered
The bottom kind of clouds are stratus clouds, that are layered. Fog could be very low mendacity stratus cloud.
Low Clouds – heaped
Low, heaped clouds are cumulus clouds. These are the puffy, cotton wool kind clouds you see on a sunny day.
Low Clouds – heaped and layered
Stratocumulus clouds are low clouds which are heaped and layered. They’re often seen on an overcast day.
Center Altitude Clouds 9 ( 2-7 km )
Center clouds – layered
Altostratus clouds are stratus-like clouds at center altitudes ( 2-6km above the floor ). These clouds usually look gray.
Center clouds – heaped
Altocumulus are heaped clouds at center altitude. They seem patchy and wavy with white or gray layers.
Excessive Clouds ( above 7 km )
Cirrus clouds are excessive ( above 6km ), wispy, and white. They’re created from ice crystals.
Excessive clouds – layered
Layered Cirrus clouds are often known as Cirrostratus.
Excessive clouds – heasped
Cotton kind cirrus clouds are often known as Cirrocumulus. These appear to be ripples of small, white patches.
Rain Clouds
Nimbostratus is a flat rain cloud discovered at center to low altitudes, often seen on drizzly days.
Cumulonimbus are thunderstorm clouds related to heavy rain and lightning. Cumulonimbus clouds are distinctive as they’ll span a number of altitude ranges, usually from the bottom to the best.
Science Actions for Studying About Clouds
Learn how clouds kind with a cloud in a jar science demonstration.
Create various kinds of clouds utilizing egg white.
Use shaving foam and meals colouring to find why rain falls when a cloud will get heavy sufficient.
Watch sizzling air rise with a convection present made with heat water and meals colouring.
Discover out why the sky is blue!
Study evaporation and the water cycle with a easy water cycle demonstration.
Enjoyable Info About Clouds
Clouds had been named by Luke Howard in 1802.
There are ten primary kinds of clouds.
Clouds assist to manage the Earth’s temperature.
Clouds play an important position within the Earth’s water cycle.
Fog is cloud at floor stage.
Clouds float as a result of the water droplets or ice crystals are tiny and unfold out. Heat air beneath them additionally retains them aloft.
Cirrus ( wispy, excessive altitude ) clouds can journey as much as 100 mph!
Final Up to date on June 5, 2025 by Emma Vanstone
