120 likes | 267 Views
Clouds. Science 10. How are clouds formed?. 3 things are needed to make a cloud Water vapour Condensation Nuclei – small particles for water to condense on Dust, smoke, pollen and sea salt Change in pressure. Why different types of clouds?.
E N D
Clouds Science 10
How are clouds formed? • 3 things are needed to make a cloud • Water vapour • Condensation Nuclei – small particles for water to condense on • Dust, smoke, pollen and sea salt • Change in pressure
Why different types of clouds? • If all clouds formed from water, why are there different types? • The Conditions • Wind conditions • Temperature • Humidity
3 General Shapes • Cumulus – puffy clouds with flat bases • “Cauliflower clouds”
3 General Shapes • Stratus – seemingly endless layers • Very flat clouds • Tend to make the day dark and dreary • Fog = low lying stratus cloud
3 General Shapes • Cirrus – made of ice crystals instead of water droplets • Happen when little water vapour is in the air • “Mare Tales” clouds (whispy looking)
Precipitation • Stratus or cumulus clouds can have precipitation • Combine name with a form of nimbus or nimbo • Stratus = nimbostratus • Cumulus = cumulonimbus
Low Clouds • Under 2000m • Nearly all are stratus (although also above 2000m)
Middle Clouds • Between 2000m and 6000m • Prefix “alto-” used
High Clouds • Over 6000m • Since almost always made of ice crystals, their names are starting with “cirro” or ending with “cirrus”
All Level Clouds • Some cumulus clouds have a low base and go up way past 6000m.
Will it Rain? • Determined by drop size • Average is 0.2mm • A drop must be 0.5mm to fall (fine mist) • Most drops average 2mm