Clouds: Formation and Types — Passage
Clouds are visible masses of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. They form when warm, moist air rises, cools, and reaches its dew point, the temperature at which water vapor condenses into tiny droplets.
There are three main types of clouds based on their shape and altitude:
Cirrus Clouds: High-altitude clouds that look wispy and feathery. They are made of ice crystals and often indicate fair weather.
Cumulus Clouds: Mid-altitude clouds that look fluffy and white, like cotton balls. They can develop into cumulonimbus clouds, which bring thunderstorms.
Stratus Clouds: Low-altitude clouds that form flat, gray layers. They often bring overcast skies and light rain or drizzle.
Clouds play a crucial role in the water cycle by transporting moisture and releasing it as precipitation. They also reflect sunlight, helping to regulate Earth’s temperature.
Fun fact: The highest clouds, called noctilucent clouds, form about 50 miles above the Earth’s surface and are only visible at twilight.
What are clouds made of?
Dust and smokeWater droplets or ice crystalsOxygen and nitrogenCarbon dioxideHow do clouds form?
When warm, moist air rises and coolsWhen air pressure increasesWhen wind speed decreasesWhen the Earth rotatesWhat is the dew point?
The temperature at which water vapor condensesThe temperature at which water freezesThe temperature at which clouds disappearThe temperature at which wind formsWhat type of cloud is wispy and feathery?
CumulusStratusCirrusCumulonimbusWhat type of cloud can bring thunderstorms?
CirrusStratusCumulonimbusNoctilucentWhat is one role of clouds in the water cycle?
They reflect sunlightThey transport moisture and release precipitationThey increase air pressureThey reduce humidityWhat is the fun fact mentioned in the passage?
Noctilucent clouds form 50 miles above the EarthClouds are made of dustCirrus clouds bring thunderstormsStratus clouds are the highest cloudsWhat type of cloud forms flat, gray layers?
CirrusCumulusStratusNoctilucentRelated Content
