Clouds

How does a cloud form? Evaporation Condensation Precipitation The process of a liquid changing into a gas. Condensation The process of a gas changing into a liquid. Precipitation Any liquid or solid water that falls to earth.

Humidity Is the amount of water vapor in the air. Humidity is used to find: Relative Humidity Dew Point

Saturation This is the relationship between the amount of water vapor that evaporates and the amount of water vapor that condenses. For a while, more water evaporates than condenses. The water in the air increases. Eventually, the amount of water evaporating is balanced by the amount of water condensing.

Relative Humidity This is the amount of water in the air compared to how much the air can hold. So, if there is 50% relative humidity, there is half the amount of water needed for saturation. If the temperature increases, the relative humidity will decrease.

Dew Point The dew point is directly related to temperature, humidity and saturation. If the dew point is 79 degrees, it means: If the amount of water in the air stays the same, when the temp. reaches 79 it will become saturated.

Characteristics of Clouds They form under different conditions. They also form at different altitudes. They are formed from ice crystals or water vapor.

Types of Clouds Cirrus Stratus Cumulus Cumulonimbus Fog

Cirrus Means “curl of hair” Form at high altitudes. May appear wispy or feathery. Form at high altitudes. Made of ice crystals Usually form in fair weather, but can be a warning of storms to come.

Stratus Means “spread out”. Usually form in flat layers Clouds are smooth because they form without strong air movement. Can produce steady, light precipitation.

Cumulus Clouds White, puffy clouds. Form in nice weather as warm air rises and condenses. They usually form in the daytime. The cool air falls around the edges and keeps the clouds separate from each other.

Cumulonimbus Clouds If cumulus clouds continue to climb taller, they can become cumulonimbus clouds. They can produce strong, brief precipitation. They can tower 11 miles above the earth. Planes fly around 6 miles above the earth.

Fog Fog is a cloud that rests on the ground. It forms when the surface area is colder than the air above it. Fog usually forms in the morning after the ground has cooled overnight. After the ground is heated, the air above is heated and the fog lifts.

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