clouds… they have names?. there are 3 general types of clouds cirrus stratus cumulus

Clouds…

They have names?

There are 3 General Types of Clouds

Cirrus

Stratus

Cumulus

1. Cirrus Clouds

Made of ice crystals

Thin and wispy clouds

Never produce precipitation – but can predict it’s coming!

Prefix in naming: “cirro”

2. Stratus Clouds

Clouds that are sheet-like or blanket the sky.Clouds that cover most of the skyPrefix in naming: “strato”

3. Cumulus Clouds

Fluffy, cotton ball shaped clouds

Prefix in naming: “cumulo”

Naming Clouds

We use prefixes/suffixes to name clouds

“Nimbo” means cloud produces precipitation

“Alto” means middle altitude cloud

Example:Name a cloud that blankets the sky and produces

precipitation

Cloud Families – they’re all related1. High Clouds

All have cirrus in their names

Examples:Cirrus, cirrostratus, cirrocumulus

Cloud Families – they’re all related2. Middle Clouds

All have “alto” in their names

Examples:Altocumulus and altostratus

Cloud Families – they’re all related3. Low Clouds

All are forms of stratus clouds

Examples:Stratus, stratocumulus, nimbostratus

Cloud Families – they’re all related4. Clouds of Vertical Development

Clouds that form from rising air at a cold front

Very tall, thick clouds

Examples:Cumulus and cumulonimbus

Give me a name…pretty please!

Give me a name…pretty please!

Give me a name…pretty please!