Clouds Flashcards
What is a cumuliform cloud
flat bases and considerable vertical development
What is a stratiform cloud
Layer clouds develop when an air mass moves horizontally over a cooler surface
what is a cirrus clouds
Form at high altitude and consist of ice crystals
What is the environmental lapse rate
The ELR is the vertical temperature profile of the lower atmosphere are any given time on average the temperature falls by 6.5 degrees for every kilometre gained
What is the dry adiabetic lapse rates
The DALR is the rate at which a parcel of air <100 percent humidity cools but not condenses usually 10 degrees /km
What is the SALR
The SALR is the rate at which a saturated parcel of air cools as it rises usually 7 degrees /km
when does cooling of water vapour occur occur
air is warmed b contact with ground or sea
air masses move horizontally across a relatively cooler surface
air masses rise as they go up over the mountains
A relatively warm air mixes with a cooler one
How does a cloud form (diabatic)
Sun heats up the ground
air parcel connected to the ground is heated up
Parcel of air rises vertically and expands
If parcel of air is warmer than surrounding air it will continue rising and getting cooler
The rate of cooling will be based on the SALR or DALR
Until it hits its dew point (Where the clouds are formed )
How does a cloud form Adiabatic
When air pressure in parcel is high particles in parcel hit each other frequently this increases the kinetic energy of the parcel. As the parcel is heated it rises expands and as the parcel is expanding the pressure and temperature drops
