Introduction to Cloud Types

Master cloud identification! This worksheet helps you classify clouds by altitude and shape.

Cloud Types Introduction There are many different types of clouds. You need to be able to identify them by pictures and descriptions.One way clouds are classified is by how high in the sky they are. Clouds that have "cirro" in their name are very high in the sky. Clouds that have "alto" in their name are could at middle altitudes. Stratus clouds are low level clouds.Height is not the only way they are classified. They can also be classified by their look, or shape. Stratus clouds are like sheets that cover the sky. Cumulus clouds are usually puffy and look like cotton. Cirrus clouds and usually thin and whispy. Clouds with nimbus in their name produce rain.You may have noticed that some of the height and shape words overlapped. For example, stratus is a low level cloud but is also used to describe sheet-like clouds. So if you see the name "altostratus" that means it is a cloud at middle altitudes (alto) but it is sheet-like (stratus). If it is just a stratus cloud it is a sheet like cloud and low altitudes.Some clouds are called vertical clouds, meaning they are not just one height. They can start low and rise to middle or high altitudes. Cumulus clouds, which are puffy, are vertical clouds. Cumulonimbus clouds can cover several miles and reach very high elevations. Cumulonimbus clouds are usually big storm clouds that produce lightning, thunder, and other intense weather. Based on the information above, fill out the chart below XXXXXXXXXXX cumulus stratus alto cirrus what does it mean about height? n low middle high what does it mean about shape? puffy sheet n whispy Complete the Chart Complete the chart naming the different types of clouds. XXXXXXXX Cumulus Stratus Low Altitude Stratocumulus Nimbostratus Middle Altitude Altocumulus Altostratus High Altitude Cirrocumulus Cirrostratus Vertical Development Cumulonimbus n Label the Picture Fill in the blanks using the words below.Altocumulus, Cirrocumulus, Cirrus, Cumulus, Stratocumulus, Cumulonimbus, Stratus, Altostratus Cumulonimbus Cirrus Cirrocumulus Altostratus Altocumulus Cumulus Stratus Stratocumulus Matching Match the cloud type with the correct definition. Nimbostratus Low altitude stratus cloud Altocumulus Medium altitude cumulus cloud Altostratus Medium altitude stratus cloud Cirrocumulus High altitude cumulus cloud Cumulus Cloud that resembles a cotton ball Stratus Sheet like cloud