Clouds

Clouds form in the sky when water vapor in the air condenses into visible water droplets or ice crystals. This process is called cloud formation. There are two main ways that clouds form: Lifting: When warm, moist air rises, it cools. As the air cools, it can no longer hold as much water vapor, so the excess water vapor condenses into clouds. This is how most clouds form, including cumulus clouds, stratus clouds, and cirrus clouds. Cooling: When the temperature of the air drops below its dew point, the water vapor in the air condenses into clouds. This can happen when a cold front passes through an area, or when the air cools at night. This is how fog forms, as well as clouds that form over mountains and lakes. Clouds are made up of tiny water droplets or ice crystals. These droplets and crystals are so small that they can stay suspended in the air. The size and shape of the water droplets and ice crystals determine the type of cloud that forms. Different types of cloud...