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Clouds
Cloud Formation
Cloud consists of tiny droplets of liquid water, ice crystals, or a mixture of both, suspended in the atmosphere.
Cloud forms when moist air rises and cools to its dew point.
As the air reaches its dew point:
- the air becomes saturated;
- water vapour begins to condense;
- tiny water droplets or ice crystals form; and
- cloud becomes visible.
Condensation normally occurs around tiny particles in the air called condensation nuclei, such as dust, salt or smoke particles.
Remember:
Moist air rises → cools → reaches dew point → condensation → cloud
Cloud Height Groups
In New Zealand latitudes, clouds are generally grouped as:
Low Cloud
Below 7,000 ft
Middle Cloud
7,000 ft to 17,000 ft
High Cloud
Above 17,000 ft
Cloud Names
Cloud names give clues about their shape, height or weather.
Cumulus / Cumulo
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