GGY 230 Chapter Notes - Chapter 5.1-5.4: Cloud Condensation Nuclei, Cirrocumulus Cloud, Hygroscopy
Document Summary
C h a p t e r 5 : f o r m s o f. Clouds: consist of billions of minute water droplets and/or ice reystals that are suspended above earth"s surface. Clouds are an interest to meteorologists because they provide a visual indication of atmospheric conditions. For condensation to generate clouds, the air must reach saturation, and there must be a surface on which the water vapor can condense to form liquid droplets. Another requirement for condensation is that there must be a surface on which water vapor can condense (objects near or on the ground; like grass) When condensation occurs aloft, tiny particles called cloud condensation nuclei serve this purpose. Without nuclei a relative humidity of 100 is required to produce cloud droplets. Dust storms, volcanic eruptions, and pollen are major sources of condensation nuclei. They are introduced to the atmosphere as byproducts of combustion(burning) from sources like forest fires, automobiles, and coal-burning furnaces.
