Water in the Atmosphere

Key Terms to understand The Water Cycle Evaporation - Condensation – process by which molecules of water vapor in the air become liquid water Precipitation – Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth’s surface.

The Water Cycle Precipitation falls from the clouds toward the surface. The water then runs off the surface (moves through ground) back into the oceans, lakes and streams

How Do Clouds Form? All kinds of clouds form when water vapor in the air becomes liquid water or ice crystals. Some of the water vapor in the air condenses to form droplets of liquid water. Dew Point – Temperature at which condensation begins Clouds form whenever air is cooled to its dew point and particles are present.

How Do Clouds Form Experiment directions

Types of Clouds Clouds are differentiated by Altitudes and Shapes Altitudes High – Prefixed by cirro Medium – Prefixed by alto Low - below 6500

Types of Clouds Cont. Shapes Cumulus – Heap, Pile Stratus - Layer Cirrus – wispy and thin, curl of hair Nimbus – rainy cloud, likely to bring precipitation Each type of cloud is associated with a different type of weather

Cumulus Clouds Usually a sign of fair weather Cirrocumullus (high) Altocumulus (med) Cumulonimbus (low) Cumulus

Stratus Clouds Cirrostratus (high) Altostratus(med) Nimbrostratus (rainy) Stratus (low)

Cirrus Clouds Made up of mostly ice crystals Means there could be an approaching storm\ High Alt. Cloud

Fog Clouds that form at or near the ground. Forms when the ground cools at night after a warm, humid day The ground cools the air just above the ground to the airs dew point

What Type of Cloud is it? ( include 3 main types and fod) How can you tell which is which?.. By shape

Precipitation Any form of water that falls from clouds and reaches Earth’s surface.

Types of Precipitation Rain –

Types of Precipitation Hail –

Types of Precipitation Freezing Rain –

Types of Precipitation Sleet –

Types of Precipitation Snow –