Learn how the three basic cloud types can be mixed together to

create many other cloud formations.

Advanced Cloud Types

Three Basic Cloud TypesYou have already learned about the three basic cloud types. These clouds are kind of like the three primary colors. Red

Yellow

Blue

Cirrus

Cumulus

Stratus

Primary and Secondary ColorsWhen you mix two of the primary colors together, you create a new secondary color.

+ + +

= = =

Orange

Green

Purple

Primary and Secondary CloudsIt is much the same for clouds. When you mix the three primary cloud types together, you create new, secondary clouds.

+ +

= =

new cloud type

new cloud type

Example 1: CumulonimbusWhen we put these two words together, it makes a new type of cloud. Can you guess what a cumulonimbus cloud will look like?

cumulus + nimbus = cumulonimbus

Remember, the word nimbus means “rain” or “dark rain cloud,” and the word cumulus means “heap” or “pile.”

Example 1: Cumulonimbus

Cumulonimbus clouds look like a big “heap” or “pile” of “dark rain clouds.” They can grow to become very large and they bring lots of rain!

Example 2: AltostratusWhat do you think it would mean if we put the word alto at the front of the word stratus to make the word altostratus?

alto + stratus = altostratus

Remember, the word alto means “middle” or “second highest.”

Example 2: Altostratus

Altostratus clouds are just stratus clouds that are in the “middle” of the sky, or the “second highest.”

Example 3: CirrocumulusWhat do you think a cirrocumulus cloud would look like?

cirrus + cumulus = cirrocumulus

Remember, the word cirrus means “curl of hair” and is a cloud that is found high in the sky and is made mostly of ice crystals.Also remember that the word cumulus means “heap” or “pile.”

Example 3: Cirrocumulus

Cirrocumulus clouds are thin wisps of clouds made mostly out of ice crystals and are very high in the sky. They also form small “heaps” or “piles” that look like little cotton balls.

Example 4: NimbostratusCan you guess what this nimbostratus cloud will look like?

nimbus + stratus = nimbostratus

Don’t forget, the word nimbus means “rain” or “dark rain cloud” and the word stratus means “flattened” or “spread out” or “layer.”

Example 4: Nimbostratus

Nimbostratus clouds are just stratus clouds that are very “dark rain clouds.”

Look at all of the ways that we can mix the Latin cloud names around to make different cloud types!