Become an expert at spotting clouds—in one week

Clouds form as water evaporates from the planet’s surface, changing into water vapor—its gaseous form. As this vapor rises in the atmosphere, it cools, and condenses into droplets on tiny particles such as dust, sea salt, soot, or pollen. As these particles accumulate, clouds begin to take shape. 

They can also form when a band of cold air (“cold front”) pushes into warmer air, which creates clouds that often grow rapidly and bring brief, intense periods of rain. Some clouds form when wind meets the side of a mountain, forcing air quickly upward. Under the right combination of humidity and cold temperatures, clouds can also form near or on the ground as fog. 

To learn how to determine which cloud you’re looking at, we’ll look at each cloud’s shape and color, the type of weather it’s likely to produce, and whether it forms high in the sky or hugs the Earth’s surface. 

Let’s start with cumulus clouds. These form when warm air rises and cools. They are low-level clouds, forming from near the ground up to 6,500 feet.  

Cloud names come from Latin words that describe their appearance or weather. The Latin word cumulus refers to a heap or pile, an apt name for this cloud’s plush form. 

Think you could identify a cumulus cloud? It's time to practice your cloud-spotting skills.  

Want to experience more wonder? National Geographic’s Wonder List features playful prompts and activities that turn everyday moments into wonder-filled discoveries—for families, anywhere, every day.