Cloud Formation Mechanisms

A little quiz…

Cloud Formation Mechanisms

Cloud Formation: In General

• Moist air cools to dew point.

• Dew Point = temp. for saturation of air.

• When air temp < DP, air is supersaturated.

• Condensation or sublimation occurs.

• Air must be lifted to get it to cool.

Methods of Lifting

• Orographic lifting

• Frontal action

• Convergence

• Convection

Orographic Lifting

Warm Moist Air

Dew Point

Orographic Clouds overSanta Catalina Mountains

Warm Frontal Action

Warm Moist Air

Cold Dense Air

Surface of Ground

Dew Point

Cold Front Action

Surface of Ground

Warm Moist Air

Cold Dense Air

Dew Point

Cold Front Clouds Forming

Convergence

Surface of Ground

Dew Point

ITCZ Wind Convergence & Clouds

ITCZClouds

Northeast Trades

Southeast Trades

Cyclonic Convergence

L

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Convection

Radiation

Convection

Convection Clouds

Convection Over Lake Michigan

Warm WaterWarm Water

Cold AirCold Air

Warmed AirWarmed AirConductionConduction

ConvectionConvection

Methods of Lifting

• Orographic lifting

• Frontal action

• Convergence

• Convection

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