Condensation

Condensation occurs when water vapor in

the air changes to a liquid. The result of
this process may be dew, fog, or clouds.
For any of these forms, the air must be
saturated. Saturation occurs most
commonly when air is cooled to its dew
point, or less often when water vapor is
added to the air.
Cloud Formation

Generally, there must be a surface

on which the water vapor can
condense. When dew occurs,
objects at or near the ground
serve this purpose, like grass and
car windows.
Cloud Formation
But when condensation occurs in the air
above the ground, tiny bits of particulate
matter, known as condensation nuclei,
serve as surfaces for water-vapor
condensation. These nuclei are very
important, for in their absence a relative
humidity well in excess of 100 percent is
needed to produce clouds.
Clouds
Clouds are a form of condensation
nuclei described as visible
aggregates of minute droplets of
water or tiny crystals of ice.
4 MAJOR
TYPES
OF
CLOUDS
CIRRUS CLOUD
 CIRRUS CLOUDS

–Are the highest clouds

–They are thin, white, and wispy,
and are made of ice crystals
Cloud Classification

Cirrus clouds are high, white, and

thin. They can occur as patches
composed of small cells or as
delicate veil-like sheets or extended
wispy fibers that often have a
feathery appearance.
CUMULUS CLOUD
 CUMULUS CLOUDS

– Are formed from the condensed

moisture of rising air currents
– They are large and puffy and are usually
associated with fair weather
Cloud Classification

Cumulus clouds consist of globular

individual cloud masses. Normally
they exhibit a flat base and have the
appearance of rising domes or towers.
Such clouds are frequently described
as having a cauliflower structure.
STRATUS CLOUD
STRATUS CLOUDS

– Have a streaked appearance and

are grayish to bluish in color
Cloud Classification

Stratus clouds are best described

as sheets or layers that cover
much or all of the sky. While they
may be minor breaks, there are no
distinct individual cloud units.
NIMBUS CLOUD
NIMBUS CLOUDS

–Dark clouds that usually

bring rain