The Mysterious Nature of Clouds: Density, Temperature, and Structure

In summary, the differences in density and temperature of the atmosphere at different altitudes play a major role in the appearance and composition of clouds. Higher cirrus clouds are made of ice, while lower stratus or cumulo nimbus clouds are made of water droplets. The lower density of the atmosphere at high altitudes and lower temperatures contributes to the formation of ice particles in cirrus clouds. Additionally, pockets of varying air density can cause condensation to occur, resulting in visible cloud structures rather than a homogeneous mass.
  • #1
Tyro
105
0
What causes the high up cirrus clouds to be ripple shaped and thin, while the lower stratus or cumulo nimbus clouds to be puffy and opaque?

Presumably, it must have something to do with atmospheric density and temperature...although how exactly seems uncertain.

Also, what causes clouds to congregate into visible structures? Why don't they just dissipate/diffuse like a gas or smoke in another? What holds clouds together?
 
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  • #2
I think a major factor in this is that the higher clouds are composed of ice, while the lower down clouds, being warmer, are made up of water droplets...
 
  • #3
Originally posted by FZ+
I think a major factor in this is that the higher clouds are composed of ice, while the lower down clouds, being warmer, are made up of water droplets...

So is it correct to say that since the density of ice is the lower than the density of water, the greater obscurity of low altitude clouds is a result of diffraction (due to smaller particle diameters) while at high altitudes it is the result of absorption?

How do you explain the irregular shapes of clouds? Why doesn't the atmosphere just look like muddy water (i.e. the clouds just disperse into a homogeneous, featureless, mass)?
 
  • #4
High cirrus clouds are lower density as stated, but remember, they aren't a solid block of ice. They are MUCH lower density than clouds at low altitude for two reasons: One, the density of the atmosphere itself is many times (10x or so, probably) thinner at the altitude of cirrus clouds. And two, at lower temperature, the air holds far less water than at high temperature.
 
  • #5
Originally posted by Tyro


How do you explain the irregular shapes of clouds? Why doesn't the atmosphere just look like muddy water (i.e. the clouds just disperse into a homogeneous, featureless, mass)?

One thing I've noticed when travellingn in a small aircraft is that the atmosphere itself is not smooth. Pockets of verying air-density can actually be felt as one flies through them. This "bumpy air" is especially noticable at the edges of clouds. I don't know what other factors are involved, but this change in density itself would be enough to cause condensation to occurr.
 

1. What causes clouds to form and take on different shapes?

Clouds form when water vapor in the air cools and condenses into tiny water droplets or ice crystals. The shape of a cloud is determined by factors such as air temperature, humidity, and wind patterns.

2. How does the density of a cloud affect its behavior?

The density of a cloud is determined by the amount of water vapor it contains. A denser cloud will be heavier and may produce more precipitation. It may also block more sunlight, leading to cooler temperatures near the surface.

3. How does temperature affect cloud formation and structure?

Temperature plays a crucial role in cloud formation. As warm air rises and cools, it reaches its dew point and water vapor condenses into visible clouds. Temperature also affects the structure of clouds, with colder temperatures leading to the formation of ice crystals and warmer temperatures resulting in larger water droplets.

4. What is the role of air pressure in the formation of clouds?

Air pressure is closely related to temperature and plays an important role in cloud formation. As air rises and cools, its pressure decreases, allowing water vapor to condense into clouds. The amount of air pressure present also affects the type and height of clouds that form.

5. How do scientists study the structure and composition of clouds?

Scientists use a variety of tools and techniques to study the structure and composition of clouds, including satellites, weather balloons, and ground-based instruments. These methods allow them to measure factors such as cloud height, thickness, and water content, which can provide valuable insights into the behavior and impact of clouds on the Earth's atmosphere.

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