GG101 Lecture 10: GG101 LESSON 10
Document Summary
For water droplets to be produced we need air that is saturated and there must be small particles present upon which condensation can occur o particles called cloud condensation nuclei. A parcel of air rises in the atmosphere. The relative humidity of the air increases to 100% and the air becomes saturated. Condensation may then occur on cloud condensation nuclei forming water droplets. Stratiform: stratiform clouds are stratus and have an overall flat, layered, horizontal appearance, presence indicates stable atmospheric conditions. Cumuliform: cumuliform clouds are called cumulus and have a heap like shape where the clouds often appear as puffy clusters, presence associated with stronger vertical motions of air that are typical of unstable atmospheric conditions. Cirroform: cirroform clouds are called cirrus and are curled, wispy, thin or feathery. Cirrus clouds are comprised of ice crystals and form under a range of stability conditions. Vertically developed (cloud passes through two or more classes) A cloud that occurs at ground level.
