Sunday, May 2, 2010

Common types of clouds in the troposphere


Clouds

Click here to learn about clouds

There are 3 basic kinds of clouds. Clouds are tiny drops of
condensing clear water vapor or ice crystals that settle on
dust particles in the atmosphere. Clouds can be many different
shapes and size. Read below to learn more!


Cirrocumulus Cloud

Cirrocumulus clouds usually occur at an altitude of 5km to 12 km
and they form above 18,000 feet in the sky. Cirrocumulus clouds
signify convection and they include a small amount of liquid
water droplets. A cirrocumulus is typically a large, white patch,
or turft without a gray shadow. Each cloudlet is no longer than a
finger held at arms length. Read More


















Cirrus Cloud

Cirrus clouds are the highest in elevation. They form above 20,000 feet
in the sky. Cirrus clouds are composed of ice crystals. Cirrus clouds start up a warm front, and they are the fastest moving in the atmosphere, because the wind current is very strong
high up. They are considered to be atmospheric clouds also because they are characterized
by thin, wisp like strands. Cirrus clouds also trap and reflect infrared radiation heat beneath the greenhouse effect. Read More



















Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus clouds are puffy, they have flat bottoms and they are low in the
sky. Cumulus clouds form when warm air rises and reaches a level of comparatively cool air, where the moisture in the air condenses. They are a type of cloud with noticeable vertical
development and clearly defined edges. The size of the cloud depends on the temperature
profile of the atmosphere. If the top of the cumulus cloud reaches above the altitude where
the temperature is at or below freezing level, then precipitation from the cloud is possible.





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