V. Clouds & Precipitation

1. V. Clouds & Precipitation

2. A. Cloud Formation 1. All clouds require 3 things: a. water vapor b. condensation nuclei- something for water to bond with c. cooling- air must be cooled below dew point

3. B. Temperature & Cloud Formation • Compression/high pressure- air is warmer than dew point, so evaporation occurs = No cloud • Expansion/low pressure (air rising)- air temp. is than dew point, so condensation occurs = Cloud forms

4. C. Cloud Types 1. Cirrus- wispy, feathery high altitude clouds. a. Made of ice crystals

6. 2. Stratus- flat, spread out layers. Low to middle altitude. a. form through horizontal air movement

8. 3. Cumulus- fluffy, rounded, medium altitude clouds. a. form through vertical air movement b. cumulus- “piled”

10. 4. Cumulonimbus- large rain/storm cloud a. nimbo – “rain” b. cumulo- “column like”

13. Cirrus Cumulunimbus stratus cumulus

14. G. Forms of Condensation 1. Frost- when the temp of the air is below 0°C, then the water vapor condenses as a solid.

15. 2. Fog- cloud formation near Earth’s surface. a. Ground/radiation fog- during nighttime with sky clears, the ground loses heat rapidly by radiation. 1.) breeze mixes air at ground level 2.) air is cooled below the dew point and fog forms.

17. b. advection fog- when warm, moist air blows over a cool surface.

19. Some really weird clouds!