How to Identify Cloud Formations

"Everyone talks about the weather, but nobody does anything about it," said Mark Twain. The best we can do is observe. The clouds, especially, provide an ever-changing pattern of swirling sights in the sky.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Polaroid Cameras
• SLR Camera
• Binoculars Cases
• Camera Accessories
• Cameras
• Digital Cameras
• Disposable Cameras
• Film
• Telescope T-rings For Camera
• Telescope Camera Adapters
• Telescope Cleaning Kits
• Telescope Tripods
• Telescopes
• Binoculars
• Binoculars Harnesses

Watch for Cumulus Clouds

1. Think "puffy" when you want to identify cumulus clouds.

2. Make a comparison to masses of cotton balls or piles of whipped cream.

3. Remember, cumulus clouds are those we recall from childhood when we searched out shapes of people, animals and other forms in the sky.

Watch for Nimbus Clouds

1. Think "rain" when you see nimbus clouds.

2. Remember, nimbus clouds can be stratus or cumulus.

3. Watch for stratus clouds to evolve into nimbostratus formations when low-level clouds shed rain.

4. Look for cumulonimbus clouds when thunderstorms begin to build.

Watch for Stratus and Cirrus Clouds

1. Think "flat" when you're identifying stratus clouds.

2. Remember, high altitude cirrostratus clouds appear as thin, wispy sheets.

3. Look for stratus clouds at any altitude.

4. Look high into the sky for cirrus clouds.

5. Remember, cirrus clouds consist of moisture thrown up by distant storms and turned to ice.

6. Watch for thin, hair-like, disconnected wisps of clouds at altitudes above 18,000 feet.

7. Remember, stratus and cumulus clouds can occur at those same altitudes; these clouds are correctly identified as cirrostratus and cirrocumulus clouds.

Tips & Warnings

• Watching cumulus clouds bloom into a raucous summer thunderstorm can be exciting, but remember that lightning is dangerous. Be cautious.