Cloud ClassificationCloud Classification

Cloud ClassificationCloud Classification

Clouds are classified based on Clouds are classified based on altitudealtitude and and shapeshape. .

Cloud LingoCloud Lingo

Cumulus = puffy and roundedCumulus = puffy and rounded Stratus = flat and blanket-likeStratus = flat and blanket-like Cirrus = high level (above 20,000 ft.)Cirrus = high level (above 20,000 ft.)

and thin/wispyand thin/wispy Alto = middle level (6,000 - 20,000 ft.)Alto = middle level (6,000 - 20,000 ft.) Nimbus = rainNimbus = rain

What would you call a cloud that looks like a sheet at an altitude of 10,000 ft?

What would you call a puffy rain cloud?

4 Major Groups of Clouds4 Major Groups of Clouds High Clouds: above 20,000 ft.High Clouds: above 20,000 ft. Middle Clouds: between 6,000 - 20,000 ft.Middle Clouds: between 6,000 - 20,000 ft. Low Clouds: below 6,000 ft.Low Clouds: below 6,000 ft. Clouds with vertical developmentClouds with vertical development

High CloudsHigh Clouds

Composed of ice crystalsComposed of ice crystals Thin and wispyThin and wispy

Middle CloudsMiddle Clouds

Composed of water droplets and ice Composed of water droplets and ice crystalscrystals

Low CloudsLow Clouds

Composed mostly of water dropletsComposed mostly of water droplets

Vertical Development CloudsVertical Development Clouds

Cloud TypesCloud Types

CirrusCirrus

CirrocumulusCirrocumulus

CirrostratusCirrostratus

AltocumulusAltocumulus

AltostratusAltostratus

NimbostratusNimbostratus

StratusStratus

StratocumulusStratocumulus

CumulusCumulus

CumulonimbusCumulonimbus

QUIZ TIME!!!QUIZ TIME!!!Classify the following clouds…

Take out a blank sheet of paper and number it 1-15

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