Clouds and Percipitation
Tyler Tully and Zac Norris
What type of clouds are at high altitudes?
Clouds above 18,000 feet are considered to be Cirrus clouds, and consist of the Cirrostratus and Cirrocumulus cloud types.
Which are the only clouds to have vertical movement?
The clouds that have vertical development are called "fair weather cumulus" and cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds are where sever weather forms and may produce lightning in some occasions.
Dust, smoke, salt and sand are examples of what (term)?
These are all examples of Condensation Nuclei. This term is defined as "Tiny particles invisible to the human eye, such as dust, dirt, and pollutants, provide surfaces on which water molecules can condense and gather into water droplets."
What determines the type of percipitation that falls to the surface?
The temperature outside of the cloud determines the type of percipitation that will fall to the surface. If the temperature is below 32°F (0°C), the percipitation will most likely be sleet or snow. This could also lead to hail falling from the clouds.
What do you call a stratus cloud that is on the ground?
A stratus cloud is defined as a cloud that is placed below 6,500 feet. When this type of cloud is close to the ground, it is generally called "Fog"
Citations:
"Cloud Types:common Cloud Classifications." Cloud Types:common Cloud Classifications. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2013."Condensation Nuclei." *. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2013."Precipitation:hail, Rain, Freezing Rain, Sleet and Snow." Precipitation:hail, Rain, Freezing Rain, Sleet and Snow. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2013."Weather Wiz Kids Weather Information for Kids." Weather Wiz Kids Weather Information for Kids. N.p., n.d. Web. 14 Jan. 2013.