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Clouds and Precipitation — Reading Comprehension

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MS-ESS2-5

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This comprehensive science passage for grades 6-8 explores the mechanisms of cloud formation and the various forms of precipitation. Aligned to NGSS standard MS-ESS2-5, the passage begins with the observable phenomenon of clouds in the sky and delves into the scientific principles behind their formation. It explains how rising air cools, allowing water vapor to condense on condensation nuclei, forming clouds. The article categorizes cloud types by altitude and vertical development, linking each type to specific weather conditions. Students also learn about different precipitation forms such as rain, snow, sleet, freezing rain, and hail, including the atmospheric processes that produce them. The resource emphasizes the interconnectedness of atmospheric systems and includes accessible, differentiated content, a glossary, quizzes, writing prompts, and graphic organizers to support all learners. Audio integration makes the material even more accessible. This passage is ideal for supporting middle school students in mastering the fundamentals of meteorology and weather systems.

CONTENT PREVIEW

Cloud-2 — Diagram of the cloud formation process

Clouds are a constant part of Earth's atmosphere and play a crucial role in the weather that affects people every day. Scientists study clouds to predict rain, storms, and even climate patterns. Understanding cloud formation and how different types of precipitation occur helps explain the complex systems that shape our environment.

How Clouds Form in the Atmosphere
Clouds form when air containing water vapor rises in the atmosphere. As the air rises, it cools. When it cools enough, the water vapor condenses—changes from a gas to a liquid—onto tiny particles called condensation nuclei, such as dust or salt. Billions of these microscopic droplets join together to create a cloud. The altitude, or height, where this happens determines the type of cloud. For example, high clouds such as cirrus form above 6,000 meters and are made mostly of ice crystals. Middle-level clouds, like altostratus and altocumulus, form between 2,000 and 6,000 meters. Low clouds, such as stratus, develop below 2,000 meters. Some clouds, like cumulonimbus, have vertical development and can reach from low to high in the sky.

Types of Clouds and Their Weather Connections
The appearance and type of a cloud often signal the weather to come. Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy, usually indicating fair weather but sometimes signaling a change is coming. Cumulus clouds look fluffy and white, often appearing during fair weather but capable of growing into rain clouds. Stratus clouds form flat layers, covering the sky and bringing light drizzle or mist. Clouds with "nimbus" in their names, such as nimbostratus or cumulonimbus, produce precipitation. Cumulonimbus clouds are especially important; they can extend through all layers of the atmosphere and are responsible for thunderstorms and even hail.

Precipitation: The Many Forms of Water from Clouds
Precipitation falls from clouds to Earth in several forms, depending on temperature and atmospheric conditions. Rain is the most common form, occurring when droplets in clouds combine and grow large enough to fall. If temperatures are below freezing high in the clouds, water vapor forms snow—ice crystals sticking together in flakes. Sleet forms when raindrops freeze as they fall through a cold layer of air. Freezing rain occurs when rain falls through warmer air but freezes when it hits cold surfaces. Hail forms in strong updrafts inside thunderstorms, where ice pellets are lifted, coated with water, and freeze into large balls before falling to the ground. Scientists use weather balloons, satellites, and ground observations to study these processes, helping to make accurate forecasts.

Clouds and precipitation are key parts of Earth's water cycle, transferring water between the atmosphere and the surface. These processes affect agriculture, transportation, and water supply. Understanding them connects to larger scientific ideas, such as energy transfer and the cycling of matter within systems.

Interesting Fact:
At any given moment, about 67% of Earth's surface is covered by clouds!

What must happen for clouds to form in the atmosphere?

Air rises, cools, and water vapor condenses on particlesAir sinks and warms up near Earth's surfaceThe sun heats the ground directlyRain falls and evaporates immediately

Which type of cloud is most likely to bring thunderstorms and hail?

CirrusCumulonimbusStratusAltocumulus

What is the main difference between sleet and freezing rain?

Sleet freezes in the cloud, while freezing rain stays liquid until it hits the groundSleet is made of snowflakes, while freezing rain is made of hailSleet is liquid, but freezing rain is solidSleet falls only in warm weather

According to the passage, how do condensation nuclei help form clouds?

They provide surfaces for water vapor to condense into dropletsThey warm the air so clouds can riseThey cause rain to fall fasterThey reflect sunlight away from the cloud

What weather is typically signaled by cirrus clouds?

Heavy rainFair weather or a change approachingThunderstormsSnowstorms

What is the most common form of precipitation?

HailRainSleetSnow

Which of the following best describes cumulonimbus clouds?

Low, flat clouds that bring drizzleHigh, thin clouds made of iceTall clouds with vertical growth causing stormsMiddle-altitude clouds that never produce precipitation

True or False: Sleet forms when rain freezes as it falls through a cold layer of air.

TrueFalse

True or False: All precipitation falls as rain, regardless of temperature.

TrueFalse

What role do clouds and precipitation play in the water cycle?

They help transfer water between the atmosphere and Earth's surfaceThey trap heat inside the groundThey keep the sky clear of dustThey remove salt from ocean water