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Cloud Type Observation
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Clouds are visible forms of water in the atmosphere and may consist of either water droplets or ice crystals. Clouds play an important role in the earth’s climate and temperature and cover about half of the earth’s atmosphere. Clouds vary in their distance from the earth and can be categorized into high clouds, low clouds and middle clouds. High clouds are found above 6,000 m., low clouds are found below 2,000 m. and middle clouds can be found anywhere in between 2,000 m. to 6,000 m. Clouds can be categorized into ten types: Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, Cirrostratus, Altostratus, Altocumulus, Stratus, Stratocumulus, Nimbostratus, Cirrostratus, Altostratus, Altocumulus, Cumulus and Cumulonimbus.
How to Observe Cloud Type
Students must first pick a location from which clouds can clearly be seen. Students then work together to identify clouds using the descriptions for the ten types of clouds.
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A cloud chart.
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Don’t look into the sun. It will damage your eyes.
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1) Students compare the clouds in the sky to their cloud chart in order to find the most appropriate category.
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2) Students closely study the shape, constitution and shade of each cloud.
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