What are Cirrus clouds primarily composed of?

Question 1 of 2707066636ee928f7522a1c519348

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Question 1 of 27070

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What are Cirrus clouds primarily composed of?

🔍 Key Concepts

• High-altitude cloud types and where they form in the atmosphere • The temperature at the height where cirrus clouds are found • Difference between liquid water droplets, ice, and snowflakes in clouds

💭 Think About

• Think about how cold the air is where cirrus clouds form—does that favor liquid water, ice, or something else? • Consider what shape cirrus clouds typically have (wispy, hair-like) and which state of water best matches that appearance. • Ask yourself: are snow crystals the same as what usually makes up thin, high, wispy clouds far above weather systems?

✅ Before You Answer

• Recall that cirrus clouds are very high-level clouds in the troposphere. • Verify whether liquid water droplets can usually remain liquid at those very low temperatures. • Distinguish between general ice particles in clouds and falling snowflakes/crystals near the surface.