Clouds: Formation and Types — Passage and Quiz

Clouds are visible masses of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the atmosphere. They form when warm, moist air rises, cools, and reaches its dew point, the temperature at which water vapor condenses into tiny droplets.

There are three main types of clouds based on their shape and altitude:

1. Cirrus Clouds: High-altitude clouds that look wispy and feathery. They are made of ice crystals and often indicate fair weather.

    

2. Cumulus Clouds: Mid-altitude clouds that look fluffy and white, like cotton balls. They can develop into cumulonimbus clouds, which bring thunderstorms.

    

3. Stratus Clouds: Low-altitude clouds that form flat, gray layers. They often bring overcast skies and light rain or drizzle.

    

Clouds play a crucial role in the water cycle by transporting moisture and releasing it as precipitation. They also reflect sunlight, helping to regulate Earth’s temperature.

Fun fact: The highest clouds, called noctilucent clouds, form about 50 miles above the Earth’s surface and are only visible at twilight.