Cloud Types and Descriptions

Which type of cloud is thin, wispy, and found high in the sky?

• Cumulus

• Cirrus

• Stratus

• Nimbostratus

What type of cloud is responsible for thunderstorms?

• Cirrostratus

• Cumulonimbus

• Stratocumulus

• Altostratus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which cloud type covers the sky like a blanket and often brings drizzle?

• Altocumulus

• Cirrocumulus

• Stratus

• Cumulus

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Which cloud type often creates a halo around the sun or moon?

• Cirrostratus

• Altostratus

• Nimbostratus

• Stratocumulus

What does a "mackerel sky" refer to?

• A sky full of cumulus clouds

• The wavy, rippled pattern of cirrocumulus clouds

• A thick nimbostratus cloud before a storm

• The dark base of a cumulonimbus cloud

Match the cloud type with its correct description:

• Cumulus

• Puffy, white clouds with flat bases; fair weather

• Cirrocumulus

• Small, rippled, high-level clouds

• Nimbostratus

• Thin, sheet-like cloud that can create a halo

• Cirrostratus

• Grayish-blue cloud layer that may bring rain or snow

• Altostratus

• Thick, dark, widespread cloud bringing steady rain

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Stratus clouds are found at high altitudes and look like wispy streaks.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-4

Cumulonimbus clouds can reach up to 60,000 feet and produce thunderstorms.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5

Fog is a type of stratus cloud that forms at ground level.

• True

• False

Altocumulus clouds are always associated with thunderstorms.

• True

• False

Tags

NGSS.MS-ESS2-5