UP IN
THE
What
ARE
clouds?
Height: Where in the sky the
cloud typically occurs (low-level,
mid-level, or high-level)
Color: The color of the cloud
Shape: The form the cloud
typically takes
Weather: The weather the
cloud is usually associated with
or predicts
A cloud is a mass of water or ice crystals
suspended in the atmosphere, along with
particles of dust, dirt or sea salt.
Clouds rise and fall, and sometimes change
based on the atmosphere, but they fall into
three categories for height.
High-level clouds are occur between
10,000 and 60,000 feet
Mid-level clouds are roughly between
6,000 and 25,000 feet
Low-level clouds hover around 6,500 feet or below.
Clouds form due to
surface heating, from
mountains, when air is
forced to rise and from
weather fronts.
Scientists organized these clouds into ten broad categories. Cloud altitude levels, temperature, wind
and other conditions determine what type of cloud will form. To help you identify the different types of
clouds, there are four qualities you can use that all clouds have.
Clouds can be huge billowing puffs that look like cotton balls above us,
or clouds can be thin, transparent wisps that resemble feathers in a big blue
sky. If you looking up at the sky are paying attention to the clouds, you've
probably noticed they come in all shapes and sizes.
Learning about each type of cloud is fun. If you learn a little about each type
of cloud, you might get pretty accurate at predicting the weather.
Have you ever wondered how clouds form
and why some look different than others?
&
There is no difference between
fog and clouds other than
altitude. Fog is defined as visible
moisture that begins at a height
lower than 50 feet. If the visible
moisture begins at or above 50
feet, it is called a cloud.
What's the difference between
?
How do
clouds
form?
How far
from the
ground are
clouds?
Why
are there
different
types of
clouds?
Of f icialKidsMag.com • JANUARY 2020 • 43
