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

Cirrus clouds reflect about 50% of incoming solar radiation but are even better at trapping longwave radiation, insulating and warming the Earth’s atmosphere as part of the natural greenhouse effect.

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

Stratus clouds are associated with dreary weather because they reflect and scatter about 90% of insolation, cooling the Earth by keeping incoming energy from reaching the ground.

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 GradeEarth Science45 min

Learning Objective

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

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

11 min

☁️ What is a Cloud? Crash Course Geography #10

CrashCourse

Guided Notes

9 min

Key concepts students will learn:

•
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

14 min

7 questions • Short answer

Exit Ticket

5 min

“Name and describe the three main types of clouds discussed in the video.”

Teacher Guide

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Cloud Types and Formation

Learning Objective

Lesson Flow

Watch Video

Guided Notes

Practice

Exit Ticket

Teacher Guide

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