What type of cloud is described as white and feathery and typically found high in the sky?

Prepare for the GACE Middle Grades Science Test. Use flashcards and multiple choice questions with hints and explanations. Ace your exam!

The description of clouds as white and feathery, typically found high in the sky, accurately matches cirrus clouds. Cirrus clouds are thin, wispy clouds made mostly of ice crystals, which form at high altitudes, usually above 20,000 feet. They often indicate fair weather, although they can also signal that a change in the weather is on the way, such as an approaching warm front. Their high-altitude formation and delicate appearance lead to their classification as cirrus, derived from the Latin word for "curl."

In contrast, cumulus clouds are fluffy, white clouds often resembling cotton balls and are generally found at lower altitudes. Stratus clouds appear as a uniform gray layer that can cover the entire sky, often bringing overcast conditions or light precipitation. Nimbus clouds, which include nimbostratus and cumulonimbus, are associated with significant precipitation and can be darker in appearance. Thus, the characteristics of cirrus clouds distinctly fit the description given in the question.

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