
"The
clouds are the eyelids of the wind."
~Malcolm de Chazal
Clouds can tell us much about the weather. Clouds come in many different
shapes and types. By observing the clouds, we can gain information about
the circulation of air and the amount of heat and moisture in the air.
We can even predict coming weather conditions by studying clouds.
Formation Of Clouds
Warm air cools as it rises. As it cools, its ability to hold moisture
decreases. It becomes saturated at dew point, the temperature at which
it contains all the water vapour it is able to hold.
Further cooling after saturation causes the water vapour to condense into
water droplets around dust particles. As more water vapour condenses into
water droplets, the latter join together to form clouds. The base of the
clouds indicates the level at which condensation starts.
Types Of Clouds
The types clouds of clouds are based on their shape and the heights.
Below is a table of the clouds found.
High Clouds (Over 7-13
km above sea level) |
|
|
|
These are the highest clouds. They are
detached, thin and wispy and may feathery filaments. They consist
of very small ice crystals through which sunlight may penetrate to
produce a briliant sunset. |
Fine weather
Little or no rain |
|
They are small, white, round clouds that look like fish
scales. |
Fine weather |
|
They are thin sheets of clouds that resemble
a veil. The sun or moon may have a halo around it. The halo can be
an indication of rain or snow within 24 hrs. |
Fine weather |
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