2. stratus – Stratus clouds form in blanket-like layers. They hang low in the troposphere most of the time.
3. cirrus – Cirrus clouds form at high altitudes and are made of ice crystals. They are thin-looking, wispy clouds.
4. cumulus – puffy clouds. They appear flat at the bottom and they are in the middle of the troposphere.
5. nimbus – if rain or snow falls from a cloud, you add “nimbo” or “nimbus” to a cloud’s name. cumulonimbus nimbostratus
6. alto – “alto” means middle-level clouds. If you see “alto” in a cloud’s name, you’ll find it in the middle of the troposphere. altocumulus altostratus
14. nucleus – the nucleus of a precipitation droplet is usually dust in the atmosphere. Nucleus means “center.” atmospheric dust nucleus of a cell
15. overcast – the skies are completely covered with clouds. Weather station model for overcast skies.
16. clear – the skies are clear of clouds Weather station model for clear skies.
17. scattered clouds – clouds are scattered throughout the sky Weather station model for scattered clouds
18. partly cloudy – the sky is about half clouds and half clear Weather station model for partly cloudy
19. mostly cloudy – it’s almost overcast; very little blue sky is showing Weather station model for mostly