Clouds

1
Clouds
2
Cloud Formation

• Clouds form when water vapor condenses on a
  condensation nuclei (solid particlesuch as dust,
  ice, saltto which water can attach)
• The air needs to be saturated.

3
Cloud Formation

• Clouds also need the air to reach its dew point
• 1. Adiabatic CoolingCaused by the lifting of
  air
• 2. Mixing of air parcels with different
  temperatures.
• 3. Advective CoolingWarm air gets pushed
  across a cooler area

4
Cloud Classification

• Form
• -Stratus (layered)
• -Cumulus (piled)
• -Cirrus (curly)
• Altitude
• -Low (below 2000m)
• -Middle (2000 6000m)
• -High (above 6000m)

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StratusUsually low and layered in appearance.
Form when warm moist air lies above a layer of
cool air.
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CumulusPuffy, vertical-growing clouds in middle
altitudes, that look heaped.Form when warm,
moist air rises and cools.
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CirrusWispy, feathery clouds high in the
sky.Form when extremely low temperatures cause
ice crystals to condense.
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Nimbostratuts

• Rain clouds
• Usually dark and bring rain and snow
• Low altitude and layered

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Altostratus

• Form at the middle altitudes
• Generally thinnest form of stratus clouds
• Usually very little rain

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Cumulonimbus

• Thunderheads
• Often accompanied by heavy rain, hail, and
  lightning
• Anvil-shaped top

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Stratocumulus

• Combination of stratus and cumulus clouds
• Found at lower altitudes

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Cirrocumulus

• High-altitude, billowy clouds
• Composed of ice crystals
• Usually appear right before rain or snow

13
Cirrostratus

• Long, thin clouds at high altitude
• Give a halo effect to the sun and moon as light
  passes through ice crystals