Lesson 12-5 Clouds Formation Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are cirrus clouds?

light and feathery

What are cumulus clouds?

big and puffy

What are stratus clouds?

sheetlike clouds that form layers across the sky

How do clouds form?

through condensation in the atmosphere Signup and view all the answers

What process forms clouds?

The process of condensation Signup and view all the answers

Where do tiny water droplets and ice form?

around dust and other particles in the air Signup and view all the answers

What determines a cloud's shape?

how it is formed Signup and view all the answers

There are ________ basic kinds of clouds.

three Signup and view all the answers

What are the light feathery cirrus clouds made up of?

ice crystals and form at heights above 10,000 meters Signup and view all the answers

How do cumulus clouds form?

from rising currents of warm air that build to great heights and have flat bases Signup and view all the answers

How do stratus clouds form?

layer upon layer usually at low altitudes Signup and view all the answers

What are the three basic kinds of clouds?

cirrus, cumulus, and stratus Signup and view all the answers

What is a cloud that forms near the ground called?

fog Signup and view all the answers

What happens at night to the ground?

the ground cools quickly, which cools the layer of air that lies above it Signup and view all the answers

What occurs if the air is cooled to the dew point?

water vapor condenses and forms fog Signup and view all the answers

Why does fog sometimes form over rivers and lakes?

because cool air moves in over warm water Signup and view all the answers

What is fog?

Fog is a cloud that forms near the ground, in valleys, over rivers and lakes, and is formed by the process of condensation. Signup and view all the answers

What are cumulonimbus clouds?

cumulus clouds that are often associated with thunderstorms Signup and view all the answers

________ can raise a cumulonimbus cloud to heights taller than Mt. Everest.

Updrafts Signup and view all the answers

As clouds rise, what happens to the tops?

the tops become flattened against the tropopause, which is the top of the troposphere Signup and view all the answers

What does a large flat top of a cloud resemble?

a blacksmith's anvil Signup and view all the answers

An anvil is a good indication that a thunderstorm is coming.

True Signup and view all the answers

How is a cumulonimbus cloud like a cumulus cloud?

A cumulonimbus cloud is a type of cumulus cloud that is formed at great heights, has flat anvil-like tops, and is associated with thunderstorms. Signup and view all the answers

What are clouds made of?

billions of tiny water droplets and ice crystals Signup and view all the answers

What are light feathery clouds called?

Cirrus Signup and view all the answers

What are sheetlike layered clouds called?

Stratus Signup and view all the answers

Where might you see fog?

valleys, rivers, and lakes Signup and view all the answers

What kinds of clouds are large and puffy?

Cumulus and cumulonimbus Signup and view all the answers

What is another name for cumulonimbus clouds?

Thunderheads Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Types of Clouds

Cirrus Clouds: Light, feathery clouds composed of ice crystals; form at heights above 10,000 meters.
Cumulus Clouds: Big, puffy clouds formed from rising currents of warm air, characterized by flat bases.
Stratus Clouds: Sheetlike, layered clouds that typically form at low altitudes.

Cloud Formation

Clouds form through the process of condensation in the atmosphere.
Many tiny water droplets and ice crystals form around dust and other particles suspended in the air.
A cloud's shape is influenced by its method of formation.

Types of Fog

Fog is classified as a cloud that forms near the ground, typically in valleys, over rivers, and lakes.
Cooling ground temperature at night reduces the air temperature above, leading to condensation and fog formation.
Cool air moving over warm water can also contribute to fog development.

Cumulonimbus Clouds

Cumulonimbus clouds are an advanced type of cumulus cloud often linked with thunderstorms.
Updrafts can elevate these clouds to heights exceeding that of Mt. Everest.
As clouds rise, the tops flatten against the tropopause, resembling an anvil, which indicates potential thunderstorms.

Key Comparisons

Cumulonimbus clouds share characteristics with cumulus clouds, including formation at great heights and anvil-like tops.
Thunderheads are another name for cumulonimbus clouds.

Key Locations of Fog

Fog can be observed in various environments like valleys, rivers, and lakes.

Summary of Cloud Components

Clouds consist of numerous tiny droplets of water and ice crystals.

Basic Facts

The three basic types of clouds: cirrus, cumulus, and stratus.
Cumulonimbus clouds can be large and puffy, alongside cumulus clouds.

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Description

This quiz focuses on cloud formation, detailing different types such as cirrus, cumulus, and stratus clouds. Additionally, it explores the process of condensation that leads to cloud creation. Perfect for those studying atmospheric science!