|
What
Are Clouds Made
Of?
Clouds are really nothing more than water vapor
that condenses into visible form. Usually
moisture filled air is lifted into the
atmosphere by an incoming air mass or simply by
the heat of the sun. As this parcel of air is
lifted, the pressure drops and the air is
cooled. The combination of the dropping
pressure and cooling air water vapor to
condense and form clouds.
Do
Clouds Come In Different
Colors?
Clouds do appear to come in different colors.
It is the processes of reflection and
absorption that create the shades and colors we
see in clouds. Colors can range from white to
black and yellow to red. Some clouds even
display a greenish tinge. What do these colors
tell us about clouds and weather? That depends
on the color.
How Much Does a Cloud
Weigh?
We estimate cloud weight in cubic
kilometers. A cubic kilometer is a cube which
is .6 miles on each side.
It is said that low stratus clouds can weigh as
much as 200,000 pounds. If that impresses you,
take a good look at the next large cumulonimbus
cloud that looms over your head. Scientists
tell us these clouds can weigh as much as two
million pounds!!
Yes, I said TWO MILLION POUNDS hang above the
earth in some of these giant storm clouds.
Better not forget the umbrella!
go to
CLOUD
CLASSIFICATIONS
go to CLOUD
TYPES
Our website is dedicated to promoting interest
in and better understanding of weather.
WeatherWing has been the #1 Weather Observer
Certification Training source for Oil and
Aviation Interests in the Gulf of Mexico since
1998.
Source: http://WeatherWing.com
Copyright 2007
all rights reserved
|
