Lesson 10 - Recognizing Cloud Formations

Few atmospheric events receive more loving attention from artists and writers than clouds. Whether floating across canvas in soft flowing wisps, skulking through poems as dark threatening monsters, or merely appearing as themselves in a blue sky, clouds fascinate and delight, offering such rolling appeal that even small children can watch them for hours, finding dragons and tennis shoes and Auntie Edna's face in the billowing shapes. As a natural source of beauty, clouds create wonder and inspiration. As an atmospheric phenomenon described in scientific terminology, clouds are even more impressive, for without them, no living thing on earth could survive.

The Water Cycle

The water system that cycles moisture from the ground to the earth and back again is essential to the continued existence of life on this planet. As an absolutely vital stage in the water cycle, clouds primarily function as part of the cycling process, but also offer visible representations of moisture changing forms in the air.

• Water evaporates from surface sources all over the earth
• Water vapor rises on warm air to reach higher altitudes
• Cooler air existing at high altitudes condenses invisible vapor into visible groups of small water droplets or tiny ice crystals, called clouds
• Clouds release excess moisture as rain, sleet, or snow

Seen from the ground, a cloud looks like one massive unit, but on closer inspection, it becomes clear that clouds consist of tiny water particles in solid, liquid, or vapor form. Measuring only 0.0002 to 0.003 inches (0.0005 to 0.008 cm), these cloud particles, easily sustained in the air and blown by the wind current, will eventually take on recognizable shapes that scientists classify according to their patterns of formation.

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