Clouds

what is the definition of "cumulus, cumulo"?

"Heap"

what is the definition of "alto"?

"High"

What is the definition of "stratus, strato"?

"Layer"

what is the definition of "cirrus, cirro"?

"Wispy"

what is the definition of "nimbus, nimbo"?

"rain"

Stratocumulus

Low elevation layered clouds that have some fluffiness to them. These clouds form when warm, moist air mixes with cool, dry air. These clouds can sometimes bring light rain or drizzle.

Who is considered the cloud father?

Luke Howard

Altostratus

Mid level clouds that appear white or slightly blue and can sometimes bring rain or snow. They also can be translucent, meaning that you can see the sun or moon from behind the cloud.

Cumulus

Puffy white clouds at low levels. When they are small and scattered, they indicate good weather and are sometimes called good weather clouds.

Altocumulus mammatus

Threatening looking, mid level clouds that actually indicate the end of bad weather. They appear to be drooping because of the air cooling down and sinking.

what are the two main types of clouds?

cumuliform and stratiform

Cirrocumulus

high level clouds that are composed of many smaller clouds and can look like fish scales. These clouds also indicate that rough weather is coming

Cirrostratus

high level clouds that cover the sky and are thin and transparent. you can see the sun or the moon through these clouds

Altocumulus lenticularis

lens-shaped clouds that form at the top of a wave of air flowing over a mountain peak

jet contrails

man-made clouds that form when a jet flies through the troposphere and the jet's water vapor from its exhaust forms water vapor which appears to us as a cloud

Altocumulus

mid level clouds that look like small, loose cotton balls floating across the sky

Nimbostratus

sheet clouds that carry rain/snow and usually have little turbulence.

where are "alto" clouds located?

the middle layer of the troposphere

what two things can be used to describe a cloud?

A clouds shape and its altitude

Cumulonimbus

A tall cumulus cloud that often brings rain and thunderstorms and is caused when warm air rises through the center and cool air sinks down the sides.

Stratus

Clouds that form in flat layers and often cover much of the sky. These clouds also form in stable air.

What contributions did Luke Howard make that earned him the title of "The Cloud Father?"

He made many records of the clouds and developed a cloud-recognition system that is still used by meteorologists today

Cirrus

high level clouds that look feathery because of the fine strands of frozen ice crystals and indicate dry air and a continuation of good weather