Clouds and Fog
High clouds
6 km small amount H20 vapor + low temps due to altitude, Thin and white, composed of ice crystals
Cirrus Clouds
Cirrocumulus
Cirrostratus
Middle Clouds
2-6 km composed of liquid H20 vapor
Altostratus clouds mean changing weather
Altocumulus clouds mean settled weather
Altostratus
Altocumulus
Low clouds
2 km sometimes occur as individual clouds but more often appear as general overcast are widespread and associated with somber skies and drizzly rain
Stratus
Stratocumulus
Nimbostratus
Vertical Clouds
low bases that extend to heights as high as 15 km indicate very active vertical movements in the air
Cumulus
Cumulonimbus
Fog
Fog- a cloud on the ground
Radiation fog- results when the ground loses heat through radiation usually at night
Advection fog- when warm, moist air moves horizontally over a cold surface, such as snow-covered ground or a cold ocean.
Evaporation fog- water vapor is added to cold air that is already near saturation
Upslope fog- created adiabatic cooling occurs when humid air climbs a topographic slope.