Clouds and their formation

Question 1

What are the three types of clouds?

Answer 1

• High
• Medium
  -Low

Question 2

How far above ground is a High cloud?

Answer 2

Usually 20,000ft or above

Question 3

What is an example of a High cloud?

Answer 3

A Cirrus cloud

Question 4

What are Cirrus clouds?

Answer 4

Short, detached and wispy clouds that resemble tufts of hair. They are whiter than any other cloud in the sky and can sometimes take on the colours of the sunset or sunrise.

Question 5

How do Cirrus clouds form?

Answer 5

• Mainly form from the ascent of dry air making the small amount of water vapour deposit into ice. They are made completely of ice crystals giving their white colour.
• Can sometimes form through contrails, the trail left by planes as they fly through a dry upper troposphere.

Question 6

What weather is associated with Cirrus clouds?

Answer 6

Often form in advance of a warm front where air masses meet at high levels.

Question 7

How far above ground is a Medium cloud?

Answer 7

Usually between 6,500 and 20,000 ft.

Question 8

What is an example of a Medium cloud?

Answer 8

Altocumulus clouds

Question 9

What are altocumulus clouds?

Answer 9

Small mid-level layers or patches of clouds, commonly existing in the shape of round clumps.

Question 10

How do altocumulus clouds form?

Answer 10

• The break-up of altostratus clouds
• The lifting of moist air pockets cooled by gentle turbulence
• Mountainous terrain producing atmospheric waves

Question 11

What weather is associated with altocumulus clouds?

Answer 11

Mostly found in settled weather but amy also contain ice crystals. Precipitation is rare but if rain does fall, it does not touch the ground.

Question 12

How far above the ground is a Low cloud?

Answer 12

Usually below 6,500ft

Question 13

What is an example of a Low cloud?

Answer 13

Stratus clouds

Question 14

What are Stratus clouds?

Answer 14

Low-level layers with a uniform grey or white colour.

Question 15

How do Stratus clouds form?

Answer 15

Form in cam, stable conditions when gentle breezes raise moist, cool air over colder land or ocean surfaces.

Question 16

What weather is associated with Stratus clouds?

Answer 16

Dull, overcast days accompanied with little to no rainfall but can produce a light drizzle. Can also form white snow if cold enough. They sometimes appear at the surface in the form of mist or fog.

Question 17

What is another example of a Low cloud?

Answer 17

Cumulus clouds

Question 18

What are Cumulus clouds?

Answer 18

Detached, individual. cauliflower shaped clouds.Usually have a dark base and white tufts at the top which are lit by the sun.

Question 19

How do Cumulus clouds form?

Answer 19

All develop because of convection. As air heated at the surface is lifted, it cools and water vapour condenses.
Along the coastline they may form during daylight hours as the sea breeze brings in moist air, warmed by the surface.

Question 20

What weather is associated is cumulus clouds associated with?

Answer 20

Indicates fair weather, often on bright sunny days.