6th Grade Reading Comprehension: The Clouds PDF

6th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets Name: _____________________________________________ Date:____________________________ The Clouds! *Read The Passage Below & Answer The Questions* Clouds are fascinating and essential features of our atm...

6th Grade Reading Comprehension Worksheets Name: _____________________________________________ Date:____________________________ The Clouds! *Read The Passage Below & Answer The Questions* Clouds are fascinating and essential features of our atmosphere. They are not only beautiful to look at, but they also play a crucial role in the Earth’s weather and climate. Clouds form when warm, moist air rises and cools. As the air ascends, it expands and cools because the pressure decreases at higher altitudes. When the air cools to a certain point, known as the dew point, the water vapor in the air condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These droplets or crystals cluster together to form a cloud. There are di erent types of clouds, and they form at various altitudes. For example, cumulus clouds are pu y and white and often appear on sunny days. Stratus clouds form in layers and cover the sky like a blanket, often bringing overcast weather. Cirrus clouds are thin and wispy, forming high in the sky, and are usually made of ice crystals. Clouds are vital for several reasons. Firstly, they are a key component of the water cycle. Clouds help transport water from one place to another, contributing to precipitation in the form of rain, snow, sleet, or hail. This precipitation is essential for replenishing water sources such as rivers, lakes, and aquifers. Secondly, clouds have a signi cant impact on the Earth’s climate. They can re ect sunlight back into space, which helps to cool the Earth. At the same time, clouds can also trap heat, acting like a blanket to keep the planet warm. This balance between re ecting sunlight and trapping heat is crucial for maintaining the Earth’s temperature. Finally, clouds provide essential clues about the weather. Meteorologists study clouds to predict weather patterns. For instance, dark, towering cumulonimbus clouds often indicate thunderstorms, while a sky full of high cirrus clouds might suggest that a change in the weather is coming. Clouds do more than just oat in the sky. They play an active role in regulating the Earth’s temperature and weather patterns. During the day, clouds can shield the Earth from the Sun’s rays, providing shade and cooling the surface. At night, clouds help retain the day’s heat, preventing it from escaping into space too quickly. Clouds also produce various forms of precipitation, which are vital for sustaining life on Earth. Rain, for example, waters crops, lls reservoirs, and supports ecosystems. Snowfall in winter is crucial for maintaining water supplies in many regions, as the snowpack melts and feeds rivers and lakes in the spring and summer. In addition to their practical functions, clouds have inspired art, poetry, and scienti c curiosity for centuries. Their ever-changing shapes and forms captivate our imagination and remind us of the dynamic nature of our planet’s atmosphere. Teach and Create Today© 1