Clouds and Instruments

Meteorologists study changes in clouds and weather data to help them make weather predictions.

• True
• False

The instrument used to measure the amount of precipitation is the

• barometer
• sling psychrometer
• rain gauge
• wind vane

The instrument used to measure wind direction is the

• barometer
• sling psychrometer
• rain gauge
• wind vane

The instrument used to measure water vapor in the air is the

• barometer
• sling psychrometer
• rain gauge
• wind vane

The instrument used to measure temperature is the

• barometer
• sling psychrometer
• thermometer
• anemometer

The instrument used to measure wind speed is the

• barometer
• sling psychrometer
• thermometer
• anemometer

Layered clouds that often cover much of the sky are called 

• stratus
• cumulus
• cirrus
• cumulonimbus

Very high wispy clouds formed mostly of ice crystals are called 

• stratus
• cumulus
• cirrus
• cumulonimbus

The weather forecast says a heavy rain is coming later today. Which weather observation is likely just before the rain?

• clear sky
• freezing temperatures
• thick, grey clouds
• a rainbow

Why are cloudy skies less common over deserts?

• too much evaporation
• not enough water and water vapor
• too windy
• not enough heat