8th grade science: Clouds

Cloud types

Cirrus

whisper, long like feathers that are high in the sky. The weather is usually fair

cirrostratus

white puffs in the a long row, high in the sky and occur when its fair or cold out

cirrocumulus

thin, patchy, full of ripples or look like small grains and are high in the sky when its fair or cold outside

altocumulus

gray, puffy masses fomed in groups or ripples of fluff located in the middle of the sky and occur when its warm, humid or thunderstorms are coming

altostratus

gray or blue-gray clouds that cover the sky, typically indicating that rain is on the way, located in the middle altitude.

nimbostratus

thick, dark clouds that cover the sky, bringing continuous, steady precipitation, usually found at low altitudes and can go all the way up to high altitude

cumulus

white, puffy with a flat base, and the top has rounded towers, low lying clouds that mean its overcast and drizzling

stratus

low clouds covering the whole sky and blocking the sun, white or gray. overcast or drizzle weather

cumulonimbus

starts low and can go up to high altitude top of the cloud has an anvil shape. indicates storms or heavy precipitation

stratocumulus

low level patchy, gray or white clouds that have a dark honeycomb appearance. The weather is fair or a storm might be on the way