Chapter 7, Part 2: Cloud Development
Chapter 7, Part 2: Cloud Development
Chapter 7, Part 2: Cloud Development
Cloud Development
Cloud Formation
• Most clouds form as air rises, expands, and
cools, causing water droplets to condense.
• The four basic mechanisms are
– Surface heating and free convection
– Topography
– Widespread ascent due to convergence of
surface air
– Uplift along weather fronts
Primary Mechanisms
1
Convection
2
3. Development of a Cumulus Cloud
3
Stability and Cloud Height
Height of conditionally stable region:
small medium large
Topography
wet dry
4
1. Formation of Orographic Clouds
• Air at base of mountain (0m) on windward
side has T = 20oC and a dew point of 12oC.
The atmosphere is conditionally unstable.
• The air rises and cools at the dry adiabatic
rate (10oC per 1000m) and the dew point
decreases at 2oC per 1000m.
• The air temperature reaches the dew point at
1000m (lifting condensation level). A cloud
forms.
5
Widespread Ascent and Fronts
• Air flowing together (convergence) will initiate
lifting.
• Along a warm front, warm air gradually rides up and
over colder surface air producing the uniform stratus
like clouds.
• Along a cold front, warm moist air is forced up.
• Even in the absence of fronts warm air may form in
regions of low pressure.
Summary
• Clouds form as warmer surface air rises,
cools, and reaches saturation.
• The majority of clouds are created by one of
four mechanisms:
– Convection
– Topography
– Convergence of surface air
– Weather fronts