Moisture in the Atmosphere

What makes a Cloud? 1.Moisture 2.Reduction in pressure or temperature causing condensation. 3.Condensation nuclei - small particles in the atmosphere around which cloud droplets can form. Dust Salt Smoke

Cloud Formation Orographic lifting occurs when wind encounters a mountain and the air has no place to go but up. The air expands and cools resulting in cloud formation.

Orographic lifting occurring in Maui.

Cloud Formation Cloud formation occurs with the collision of air masses (fronts) of different temperatures. As fronts collide clouds form

Weather Map –Warm air rises quickly and forms cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms (Sometimes tornados)

Stability –How rapidly any given mass of air cools determines its stability. –Stability is the ability of an air mass to resist rising. –Latent heat is stored energy in water vapor that is not released to warm the atmosphere until condensation takes place.

How to Classify Clouds based on Height Cirro – 6000 m or higher Alto – 2000m to 6000m Strato – below 2000m

How to Classify Clouds based on Shape Cirrus – Thin and Wispy »Latin – hair Cumulus – Puffy-flat bottom »Latin – pile or heap Stratus – Sheet like »Latin – layer Nimbus - Rain »Latin - Cloud

The constant movement of water between the atmosphere and Earth’s surface. –Evaporation – liquid to gas –Condensation – formation of water droplettes –Precipitation- Rain –(Evapo)transpiration- plants loose water through stomata Water Cycle

The Water Cycle