cloud formation
Quick Summary
Cloud formation is a crucial part of the water cycle. It begins when moist air rises and cools to its dew point, the temperature at which it becomes saturated with water vapor. This vapor then condenses onto tiny particles in the air, called condensation nuclei, which can be dust, salt, or aerosols. These nuclei provide surfaces for water vapor to gather, forming initial cloud droplets. As more water vapor condenses, the cloud grows. Clouds are classified by altitude: high clouds (like cirrus) are made of ice crystals, middle clouds (like altostratus) can be ice or water, and low clouds (like stratus and cumulus) are typically water droplets.1
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atmosphereCloud formation within the troposphereThe region above the planetary boundary layer is commonly known as the free atmosphere. Winds at this volume are not directly retarded by surface friction. Clouds occur most frequently in this portion of the troposphere, though fog and clouds that…
Read MoreThe region above the planetary boundary layer is commonly known as the free atmosphere. Winds at this volume are not directly retarded by surface friction. Clouds occur most frequently in this portion of the troposphere, though fog and clouds that…
Read More- atmosphereCondensation
The formation of cloud droplets and cloud ice crystals is associated with suspended aerosols, which are produced by natural processes as well as human activities and are ubiquitous in Earth’s atmosphere. In the absence of such aerosols, the spontaneous conversion of water vapour into liquid water…
Read MoreThe formation of cloud droplets and cloud ice crystals is associated with suspended aerosols, which are produced by natural processes as well as human activities and are ubiquitous in Earth’s atmosphere. In the absence of such aerosols, the spontaneous conversion of water vapour into liquid water…
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