Humidity, Condensation, and Clouds SCE 3113 PDF

Humidity, Condensation, and Clouds SCE 3113 – Meteorology Topic IV: A – D Mr. Mark Lester M. Cabaluna Lecturer I College of Science  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Wa...

Humidity, Condensation, and Clouds SCE 3113 – Meteorology Topic IV: A – D Mr. Mark Lester M. Cabaluna Lecturer I College of Science  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Learning Outcomes At the end of this lesson, you will be able to: Summarize the mass and energy flow in the hydrologic cycle by analyzing the, but not limited to, hydro-atmospheric movement of water, phase changes of water in the atmosphere, etc. Describe the ways relative humidity changes in the environment. Familiarize the formation and behavior of dews, frosts, and fogs. Classify cloud types based on their forms, location, and the weather type it is associated with.  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Water Circulating the Atmosphere Water Between Earth’s Surface and Air Hydrologic Cycle – visualization of complex energy and mass exchange of terrestrial and atmospheric water. Shows how integral the geosphere and hydrosphere with the atmosphere. Water is one of the many important things in understanding meteorology.  Many Phases of Water Uniqueness of Water Water is important on Earth since: It is the only liquid in large quantity. Readily converted from one state to another. Solid ice is less dense than water. Has high heat capacity.  Many Phases of Water Changing States of Water Hydrogen bonding – primarily holds water molecules with each other. Water vapor, liquid water, and ice are water in gas, liquid, and solid phases, respectively. Presence of heat weakens bonding strength in water.  Evaporation, Condensation, and Saturation Phase Changes in Water  Evaporation, Condensation, and Saturation Changing States of Water Evaporation and condensation are significant in some fundamental processes in meteorology. Saturation – balanced state of water in a system where the net amount of evaporation is the same as with condensation. Condensation nuclei – usually particulates that serves as condensation aggregate.  Evaporation, Condensation, and Saturation Changing States of Water Evaporation and condensation are significant in some fundamental processes in meteorology. Saturation – balanced state of water in a system where the net amount of evaporation is the same as with condensation. Condensation nuclei – usually particulates that serves as condensation aggregate.  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Humidity and Dew Point Humidity – the amount of water vapor specified in the air. Absolute Humidity 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝐻 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 Specific Humidity 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑆𝐻 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 Mixing Ratio 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑅 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟  Humidity and Dew Point Humidity – the amount of water vapor specified in the air. Absolute Humidity 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝐻 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 Specific Humidity 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑆𝐻 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 Mixing Ratio 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑅 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟  Humidity and Dew Point Humidity – the amount of water vapor specified in the air. Absolute Humidity 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝐴𝐻 = 𝑣𝑜𝑙𝑢𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 Specific Humidity 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑆𝐻 = 𝑡𝑜𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑖𝑟 Mixing Ratio 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑀𝑅 = 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑟𝑦 𝑎𝑖𝑟  Humidity and Dew Point Vapor Pressure is the pressure applied by water vapor in a parcel. Actual Vapor Pressure – partially acted by the total water vapor in an air parcel. Saturation Vapor Pressure – water vapor pressure exerted on a parcel of air if it were saturated at a certain temperature.  Humidity and Dew Point Vapor Pressure is the pressure applied by water vapor in a parcel. Actual Vapor Pressure – partially acted by the total water vapor in an air parcel. Saturation Vapor Pressure – water vapor pressure exerted on a parcel of air if it were saturated at a certain temperature.  Humidity and Dew Point Vapor Pressure is the pressure applied by water vapor in a parcel. Actual Vapor Pressure – partially acted by the total water vapor in an air parcel. Saturation Vapor Pressure – water vapor pressure exerted on a parcel of air if it were saturated at a certain temperature.  Humidity and Dew Point Vapor Pressure is the pressure applied by water vapor in a parcel. Actual Vapor Pressure – partially acted by the total water vapor in an air parcel. Saturation Vapor Pressure – water vapor pressure exerted on a parcel of air if it were saturated at a certain temperature.  Humidity and Dew Point Vapor Pressure is the pressure applied by water vapor in a parcel. Actual Vapor Pressure – partially acted by the total water vapor in an air parcel. Saturation Vapor Pressure – water vapor pressure exerted on a parcel of air if it were saturated at a certain temperature.  Humidity and Dew Point Relative Humidity The ratio of the amount of water vapor actually in the air to the maximum amount of water vapor required for saturation at that particular temperature (and pressure). 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝐻 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴𝑉𝑃 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑉𝑃 𝑀𝑅 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑀𝑅  Humidity and Dew Point Relative Humidity Air becomes supersaturated when RH > 100% Changes by: air’s water vapor content; and air temperature 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝐻 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴𝑉𝑃 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑉𝑃 𝑀𝑅 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑀𝑅  Humidity and Dew Point Relative Humidity Air becomes supersaturated when RH > 100% Changes by: air’s water vapor content; and air temperature 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝐻 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴𝑉𝑃 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑉𝑃 𝑀𝑅 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑀𝑅  Humidity and Dew Point Relative Humidity Air becomes supersaturated when RH > 100% Changes by: air’s water vapor content; and air temperature 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝐻 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴𝑉𝑃 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑉𝑃 𝑀𝑅 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑀𝑅  Humidity and Dew Point Dew Point Temperature where: water vapor condenses. air would have to be cooled for saturation to occur. Dews, frost, fogs, and min. temp. 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝐻 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴𝑉𝑃 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑉𝑃 𝑀𝑅 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑀𝑅  Humidity and Dew Point Dew Point Temperature where: water vapor condenses. air would have to be cooled for saturation to occur. Dews, frost, fogs, and min. temp. 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑅𝐻 = 𝑤𝑎𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑣𝑎𝑝𝑜𝑟 𝑐𝑎𝑝𝑎𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝐴𝑉𝑃 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑉𝑃 𝑀𝑅 𝑅𝐻 = × 100% 𝑆𝑀𝑅  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Global average RH varies → varying temperature conditions Effects at Home: Changing season affect RH inside home. Air conditioning from hot to cold → RH increase. Human Impacts Heat stroke Wet-bulb temperature – measures the lowest possible temp. aided by evaporation.  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Global average RH varies → varying temperature conditions Effects at Home: Changing season affect RH inside home. Air conditioning from hot to cold → RH increase. Human Impacts Heat stroke Wet-bulb temperature – measures the lowest possible temp. aided by evaporation.  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Global average RH varies → varying temperature conditions Effects at Home: Changing season affect RH inside home. Air conditioning from hot to cold → RH increase. Human Impacts Heat stroke Wet-bulb temperature – measures the lowest possible temp. aided by evaporation.  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Global average RH varies → varying temperature conditions Effects at Home: Changing season affect RH inside home. Air conditioning from hot to cold → RH increase. Human Impacts Heat stroke Wet-bulb temperature – measures the lowest possible temp. aided by evaporation.  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Hygrometers – moisture measuring instruments Psychrometers Identical thermometers, one having dry-bulb and wet—bulb to the other Slinged over until wet-bulb thermometer reaches minimum temp. measurement.  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Hygrometers – moisture measuring instruments Hair Hygrometer Hair length increased to 2.5% → RH changes from 0 to 100% Hair strand changes length actuates lever in the instrument, graphing thee changes in RH.  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Hygrometers – moisture measuring instruments Electronic Hygrometer Hygroscopic capacitors – ∆moisture → ∆capacitance Hygristors - ∆moisture → ∆resistance Optical hygrometers - ∆moisture → ∆wavelength Chilled-mirror hygrometer - ∆moisture → ∆∠reflectance  Assessment and Impacts of Humidity Hygrometers – moisture measuring instruments Electronic Hygrometer Hygroscopic capacitors – ∆moisture → ∆capacitance Hygristors - ∆moisture → ∆resistance Optical hygrometers - ∆moisture → ∆wavelength Chilled-mirror hygrometer - ∆moisture → ∆∠reflectance  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Formation Dews and Frosts Water vapor conducted on cold surfaces and cooled to a dew point forms dews and frosts. Dews More probable on clear, calm than cloud, windy nights. Condensation Frost Forms when dew point below freezing point. Deposition  Formation Dews and Frosts Water vapor conducted on cold surfaces and cooled to a dew point forms dews and frosts. Dews More probable on clear, calm than cloud, windy nights. Condensation Frost Forms when dew point below freezing point. Deposition  Formation Dews and Frosts Water vapor conducted on cold surfaces and cooled to a dew point forms dews and frosts. Dews More probable on clear, calm than cloud, windy nights. Condensation Frost Forms when dew point below freezing point. Deposition  Condensation Nuclei and Haze Particles with surfaces readily available for water vapor to condense are condensation nuclei. Classifications Aitken Nuclei - 1.0 𝜇𝑚 Particulates; suspended near ground. Should be hygroscopic.  Condensation Nuclei and Haze Haze is a layered particulates, usually dust or salt particles. Dry Haze During warm afternoons; relatively high visibility. RH below condensation point → relatively small particles. Usually bluish or yellowish.  Condensation Nuclei and Haze Haze is a layered particulates, usually dust or salt particles. Wet Haze During cool nights up until mornings; low visibility. RH at a point of possible condensation → condensed particle suspended are relatively large. Usually dull gray or white.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Technically, very low altitude clouds relative to ground are fogs. Can be hazardous. Lowers to ground as condensed water vapor gets larger and heavier. Can form by Cooling; and evaporation and mixing.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Fog Groups Fog Groups Fog Types Mode of Formation and Characteristics By Cooling Radiation A nighttime phenomenon generated by radiation Fog cooling of the ground and adjacent air. Usually forms in valleys with the surrounding hills fog free. Advection Forms when warm, moist air flows over a cold Fog surface and is chilled from below. Often a wintertime phenomenon in the Midwest, forming when warm Gulf air flows inland or when moist air flows over a cool ocean current. Upslope When air flows up a mountain slope, or sometimes Fog a gradually sloping landform, it expands and cools adiabatically. By addition Steam Fog When cool air moves over warm water, enough of water moisture may evaporate from the water surface to vapor saturate the air above. Common on autumn mornings when the air is cool and the water in lakes or streams is still relatively warm. Frontal Forms when raindrops falling from warm air above Fog a frontal surface evaporate into the cooler air below and causes saturation. A wintertime phenomenon that produces cool damp days.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Fog Groups Fog Groups Fog Types Mode of Formation and Characteristics By Cooling Radiation A nighttime phenomenon generated by radiation Fog cooling of the ground and adjacent air. Usually forms in valleys with the surrounding hills fog free. Advection Forms when warm, moist air flows over a cold Fog surface and is chilled from below. Often a wintertime phenomenon in the Midwest, forming when warm Gulf air flows inland or when moist air flows over a cool ocean current. Upslope When air flows up a mountain slope, or sometimes Fog a gradually sloping landform, it expands and cools adiabatically. By addition Steam Fog When cool air moves over warm water, enough of water moisture may evaporate from the water surface to vapor saturate the air above. Common on autumn mornings when the air is cool and the water in lakes or streams is still relatively warm. Frontal Forms when raindrops falling from warm air above Fog a frontal surface evaporate into the cooler air below and causes saturation. A wintertime phenomenon that produces cool damp days.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Fog Groups Fog Groups Fog Types Mode of Formation and Characteristics By Cooling Radiation A nighttime phenomenon generated by radiation Fog cooling of the ground and adjacent air. Usually forms in valleys with the surrounding hills fog free. Advection Forms when warm, moist air flows over a cold Fog surface and is chilled from below. Often a wintertime phenomenon in the Midwest, forming when warm Gulf air flows inland or when moist air flows over a cool ocean current. Upslope When air flows up a mountain slope, or sometimes Fog a gradually sloping landform, it expands and cools adiabatically. By addition Steam Fog When cool air moves over warm water, enough of water moisture may evaporate from the water surface to vapor saturate the air above. Common on autumn mornings when the air is cool and the water in lakes or streams is still relatively warm. Frontal Forms when raindrops falling from warm air above Fog a frontal surface evaporate into the cooler air below and causes saturation. A wintertime phenomenon that produces cool damp days.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Fog Groups Fog Groups Fog Types Mode of Formation and Characteristics By Cooling Radiation A nighttime phenomenon generated by radiation Fog cooling of the ground and adjacent air. Usually forms in valleys with the surrounding hills fog free. Advection Forms when warm, moist air flows over a cold Fog surface and is chilled from below. Often a wintertime phenomenon in the Midwest, forming when warm Gulf air flows inland or when moist air flows over a cool ocean current. Upslope When air flows up a mountain slope, or sometimes Fog a gradually sloping landform, it expands and cools adiabatically. By addition Steam Fog When cool air moves over warm water, enough of water moisture may evaporate from the water surface to vapor saturate the air above. Common on autumn mornings when the air is cool and the water in lakes or streams is still relatively warm. Frontal Forms when raindrops falling from warm air above Fog a frontal surface evaporate into the cooler air below and causes saturation. A wintertime phenomenon that produces cool damp days.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Fog Groups Fog Groups Fog Types Mode of Formation and Characteristics By Cooling Radiation A nighttime phenomenon generated by radiation Fog cooling of the ground and adjacent air. Usually forms in valleys with the surrounding hills fog free. Advection Forms when warm, moist air flows over a cold Fog surface and is chilled from below. Often a wintertime phenomenon in the Midwest, forming when warm Gulf air flows inland or when moist air flows over a cool ocean current. Upslope When air flows up a mountain slope, or sometimes Fog a gradually sloping landform, it expands and cools adiabatically. By addition Steam Fog When cool air moves over warm water, enough of water moisture may evaporate from the water surface to vapor saturate the air above. Common on autumn mornings when the air is cool and the water in lakes or streams is still relatively warm. Frontal Forms when raindrops falling from warm air above Fog a frontal surface evaporate into the cooler air below and causes saturation. A wintertime phenomenon that produces cool damp days.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Fog Groups Fog Groups Fog Types Mode of Formation and Characteristics By Cooling Radiation A nighttime phenomenon generated by radiation Fog cooling of the ground and adjacent air. Usually forms in valleys with the surrounding hills fog free. Advection Forms when warm, moist air flows over a cold Fog surface and is chilled from below. Often a wintertime phenomenon in the Midwest, forming when warm Gulf air flows inland or when moist air flows over a cool ocean current. Upslope When air flows up a mountain slope, or sometimes Fog a gradually sloping landform, it expands and cools adiabatically. By addition Steam Fog When cool air moves over warm water, enough of water moisture may evaporate from the water surface to vapor saturate the air above. Common on autumn mornings when the air is cool and the water in lakes or streams is still relatively warm. Frontal Forms when raindrops falling from warm air above Fog a frontal surface evaporate into the cooler air below and causes saturation. A wintertime phenomenon that produces cool damp days.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Fog Groups Fog Groups Fog Types Mode of Formation and Characteristics By Cooling Radiation A nighttime phenomenon generated by radiation Fog cooling of the ground and adjacent air. Usually forms in valleys with the surrounding hills fog free. Advection Forms when warm, moist air flows over a cold Fog surface and is chilled from below. Often a wintertime phenomenon in the Midwest, forming when warm Gulf air flows inland or when moist air flows over a cool ocean current. Upslope When air flows up a mountain slope, or sometimes Fog a gradually sloping landform, it expands and cools adiabatically. By addition Steam Fog When cool air moves over warm water, enough of water moisture may evaporate from the water surface to vapor saturate the air above. Common on autumn mornings when the air is cool and the water in lakes or streams is still relatively warm. Frontal Forms when raindrops falling from warm air above Fog a frontal surface evaporate into the cooler air below and causes saturation. A wintertime phenomenon that produces cool damp days.  Fogs and Foggy Weather Foggy Weather Fogs can typically occur on certain regions. The international context, have weather maps for fogs where it can typically occur at certain areas of probable days of occurrence. In local context, there’s no readily available foggy weather maps due to its seldomness, but you can easily infer where a specific fog type can occur.  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Stratification Humidity of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Lesson Outline The Hydrological Cycle Dew, Frost, and Fog Water Circulating the Atmosphere Formation of Dews and Frosts Many Phases of Water Condensation Nuclei and Haze Evaporation, Condensation, and Fogs and Foggy Weather Saturation Classification and Humidity Stratification of Clouds Humidity and Dew Point Identifying Clouds with Altitude Assessment and Impacts of and Formation Humidity Cloud Varieties  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Clouds are visible clusters of condensed and/or deposited water vapor. It can be classified into 10 main types and suspends on altitude of certain probability.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Cloud Types was proposed by Luke Howard in 1802 and has three (3) types: stratus, cumulus, and cirrus. Stratus – flat, stratified, and smooth clouds. Cumulus – heaped up and puffy. Cirrus – high and wispy. Other types: Nimbus – rain-bearing. Alto – medium-leveled.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Cloud Heights classifies into three Middle clouds – varying conditions (2000m to 6000m) levels; high clouds, middle cloud, Low clouds – near ground with and low clouds. significant water droplets (6000m) clouds spanning at diff. levels.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Classification of Clouds Cloud Family Cloud Type Characteristics Cloud Family Cloud Type Characteristics and Height and Height High Clouds Cirrus (Ci) Thin, delicate, fibrous, ice-crystal clouds. Low Clouds Stratus (St) Low uniform layer resembling fog but not (>6000m) Sometimes appear as hooked filaments (6000m) Sometimes appear as hooked filaments called “mares’ tails” or cirrus uncinus. Cirrostratus Thin sheet of white, ice-crystal clouds that (Cs) may give the sky a milky look. Sometimes produce halos around the Sun and Moon. Cirrocumulus Thin, white, ice-crystal clouds. In the form (Cc) of ripples or waves, or globular masses all in a row. May produce a “mackerel sky.” Least common of high clouds.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Classification of Clouds Cloud Family Cloud Type Characteristics and Height High Clouds Cirrus (Ci) Thin, delicate, fibrous, ice-crystal clouds. (>6000m) Sometimes appear as hooked filaments called “mares’ tails” or cirrus uncinus. Cirrostratus Thin sheet of white, ice-crystal clouds that (Cs) may give the sky a milky look. Sometimes produce halos around the Sun and Moon. Cirrocumulus Thin, white, ice-crystal clouds. In the form (Cc) of ripples or waves, or globular masses all in a row. May produce a “mackerel sky.” Least common of high clouds.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Classification of Clouds Cloud Family Cloud Type Characteristics and Height High Clouds Cirrus (Ci) Thin, delicate, fibrous, ice-crystal clouds. (>6000m) Sometimes appear as hooked filaments called “mares’ tails” or cirrus uncinus. Cirrostratus Thin sheet of white, ice-crystal clouds that (Cs) may give the sky a milky look. Sometimes produce halos around the Sun and Moon. Cirrocumulus Thin, white, ice-crystal clouds. In the form (Cc) of ripples or waves, or globular masses all in a row. May produce a “mackerel sky.” Least common of high clouds.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Classification of Clouds Cloud Family Cloud Type Characteristics and Height Middle Altocumulus White to gray clouds, often made up of Clouds (Ac) separate globules; “sheepback” clouds. (2000m - 6000m) Altostratus Stratified veil of clouds that is generally thin (As) and may produce very light precipitation. When thin, the Sun or Moon may be visible as a “bright spot,” but no halos are produced.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Classification of Clouds Cloud Family Cloud Type Characteristics and Height Middle Altocumulus White to gray clouds, often made up of Clouds (Ac) separate globules; “sheepback” clouds. (2000m - 6000m) Altostratus Stratified veil of clouds that is generally thin (As) and may produce very light precipitation. When thin, the Sun or Moon may be visible as a “bright spot,” but no halos are produced.  Identifying Clouds with Altitude and Formation Classification of Clouds Cloud Family Cloud Type Characteristics and Height Low Clouds Stratus (St) Low uniform layer resembling fog but not (