Thinking Time
Have you ever wondered why clouds are different shapes, sizes and colours?
It’s because there are many types of clouds present during various weather conditions.
This PowerPoint will describe and explain some of the most common types of clouds and how they affect the weather.
Cirrus
Cloud
During the day, cirrus clouds are whiter �than any other cloud in the sky.
They often look like paintbrush strokes. This is �due to them being made entirely of ice crystals.
Cirrus clouds usually form before a warm front, �often accompanied by pleasant weather.
Cirrus clouds have a high altitude of 6000-12,000 metres from the ground.
When the sun is setting or rising, cirrus� clouds may change colour.
Cirrus clouds over monument by Alana Sise
is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Cumulus
Cloud
Cumulus clouds are individual fluffy clouds, which often resemble the shape of cauliflower.
They usually form on sunny days.
Cumulus clouds do not tend to produce rain
or snow but if they do, it is usually only a
light shower of rain.
During certain conditions, cumulus clouds
can develop and form into cumulonimbus
clouds.
Stratus clouds usually lack a defined
shape, often covering the sky in a blanket of white or grey.
They have the shortest altitude from the ground, which results in dull or overcast weather.
Stratus clouds can be present for days,
preventing much light passing through.
Although they may cause dull weather, they usually only produce a light drizzle of rain or snow depending on temperature.
Stratus
Cloud
Sunset over Elliot Bay by Daniel Ramirez is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Nimbostratus clouds do not have a defined shape. They are dark or grey in colour and are very thick, which can prevent sunlight penetrating.
This type of cloud produces persistent rain or snow. Continuous rain or snow will occur until the weather front passes.
Nimbostratus
Cloud
Cumulonimbus clouds usually gather together
in levels and can often resemble a tower of powerful
clouds.
Cumulonimbus is the only type of cloud that can
produce hail, thunder and lightning. They can produce extreme weather such as hail storms and tornadoes.
Cumulonimbus clouds can produce heavy rain for a
short period of time, however, they can also be
extremely powerful.
Although they are most common in warmer climates,
they can also be present in colder climates and �produce snow blizzards.
Cumulonimbus
Cloud
Lighting 2 by David is licensed under CC BY 2.0
Which type of cloud is solely formed from ice crystals?
A Stratus Cloud
B Cumulonimbus Cloud
C Cirrus Cloud
X
X
Quiz- Question 3
Quiz- Question 1
Which type of cloud can result in extreme weather?
A Stratus Cloud
B Nimbostratus Cloud
C Cumulonimbus Cloud
X
X
Quiz- Question 1
Quiz- Question 2
Quiz- Question 3
Which type of cloud can look like paintbrush strokes due to them being so white during the day?
A Cirrus Cloud
B Stratus Cloud
C Cumulus Cloud
X
X
Which type of cloud can produce persistent rain or snow until the weather front passes?
A Cumulonimbus Cloud
B Nimbostratus Cloud
C Stratus Cloud
X
X
Quiz- Question 4
Which cloud has shortest altitude from the ground resulting in dull or overcast weather?
A Stratus Cloud
B Cumulonimbus Cloud
C Cirrus Cloud
X
X
Quiz- Question 5