Question

name that cloud or type of precipitation
rain snow sleet freezing rain hail
cumulus cirrus stratus cumulonimbus
directions: choose a word from the word - bank to identify the type of cloud or precipitation being described in each statement. you will use some of the words more than once.

1. flat, gray clouds that cover most of the sky
2. white, puffy clouds with flat bottoms
3. type of precipitation that hits as a liquid and then freezes instantly when it hits the ground
4. type of precipitation that melts as it falls through the sky but then refreezes before it hits the ground as a solid ball of ice
5. this type of precipitation grows in layers each time it is pushed up or down in the cloud
6. this type of precipitation melts on its way to the ground and stays a liquid drop of water as it hits the above - freezing ground
7. huge, tall cloud that starts as a cumulus cloud
8. cloud that usually covers all or most of the sky like a blanket and blocks out most direct sunlight
9. type of precipitation that falls through a sky that is all below freezing so that the precipitation stays an ice crystal
10. high, wispy cloud made of ice crystals
11. \thunderstorm clouds\
12. fog is a type of this cloud

Explanation:

1. Stratus clouds are flat and gray, often covering most of the sky.
2. Cumulus clouds are white and puffy with flat bottoms.
3. Freezing rain hits as a liquid and freezes on contact with the ground.
4. Sleet is precipitation that melts and refreezes before hitting the ground.
5. Hail grows in layers as it is pushed up and down in a cloud.
6. Rain is precipitation that melts on its way to the ground and remains liquid.
7. Cumulonimbus clouds start as cumulus and can be huge and tall.
8. Stratus clouds cover the sky like a blanket and block sunlight.
9. Snow is precipitation that stays as ice crystals when falling through a freezing - temperature sky.
10. Cirrus clouds are high, wispy clouds made of ice crystals.
11. Cumulonimbus are also known as "Thunderstorm Clouds".
12. Fog is a type of stratus cloud.

Answer:

1. stratus
2. cumulus
3. freezing rain
4. sleet
5. hail
6. rain
7. cumulonimbus
8. stratus
9. snow
10. cirrus
11. cumulonimbus
12. stratus