Cloud Formation

Bell-ringer: what is latent heat? How is

it related to the atmosphere?

Adiabatic Temperature Changes

When air expands it cools
When air compresses it warms
Dry adiabatic rate: rate of change in
unsaturated air
Wet adiabatic rate: rate of change in
saturated air

Air Lifting: Orographic Lifting

Mountains
force air up
Adiabatic
cooling

Air Lifting: Frontal Wedging

Two different air masses coming together
force air up

Air Lifting: Convergence

Winds come
together and
rise

Air Lifting: Localized Convective

Lifting
Unequal heating
causes pockets
of air to rise

Other Causes
Stability: unstable air rises
Air must be saturated
Must have a surface for water vapor to
condense on
Condensation Nuclei: tiny pieces of
matter that let water vapor condense

Types of Clouds

Cirrus
High, white, thin

Cumulus
Round individual cloud masses

Stratus
Sheets or
layers

Cloud Types
Clouds can be classified as:
High
Middle
Low
Look at the diagram again

Vertical Clouds
Base is low but
extend high
Associated with
thunderstorms

Fog
Cloud with base at the ground
Caused by:
Cooling: air cools and becomes denser
Evaporation: cool air moves over warm water
causing evaporation