Explain how cumulonimbus clouds influence atmospheric temperature.

Cumulonimbus clouds generally reflect as much energy away from the Earth as they absorb to warm the Earth, so they’re basically neutral in terms of warming the atmosphere.

What is the difference between cumulus and altocumulus clouds?

Cumulus clouds are low-level clouds, while altocumulus clouds are mid-level clouds, forming between 2000 and 6000 meters.

Cloud Types and Formation

8th Grade•45 minutes

Learning Objective

I can describe the main types of clouds and explain how they form.

Key Concepts

Cirrus clouds are wispy and thin, exist high in the atmosphere (above 6000 meters), and are made of ice crystals.

Stratus clouds are dull, gray, and flat, exist at low levels (below 2000 meters), and cool the Earth by reflecting insolation.

Cumulonimbus clouds are towering rain clouds that release a tremendous amount of energy and can power a storm.

Practice Questions

This lesson includes 7 practice questions to reinforce learning.

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1. Name the three main types of clouds based on their appearance.

2. Describe how cirrus clouds affect the Earth's temperature and explain why.

3. Which type of cloud is associated with dreary weather and why?

...and 4 more questions

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