![]() ![]() ![]() I normally categorises cumulus in three main groups: small, medium or large. The same cumulus clouds observed away from this cloud band will appear darker, with more contrast.Ĭumulus can vary in size. The cumulus clouds appear as a uniform white or at least much lighter with little or no contrast. A similar situation may occur when observing cumulus below a much darker background such as a thunderstorm. In fact, the latter case indicates that the shadow area of the cloud is facing the observer). (If light from the sun must reflect to get to the observer, then the cloud will tend to appear brighter and display more contrast than cloud reflecting very little direct sunlight. If stratus formed at the same level as cumulus, the cumulus will appear different observed from different perspectives with respect to the sun's position. The appearance of cumulus like other clouds can be illusive. Since the height of this level is fairly constant at any particular time, then the bases of cumulus are usually flat. The air rising above this level condenses and cloud is observed. When observing cumulus, you are actually observing the condensation process of rising thermals or air bubbles at a certain level in the atmosphere known as the condensation level. CumulusĬumulus are cauliflower-shaped low level clouds with dark bases and bright tops. There are 3 main types of lower level clouds: cumulus, stratocumulus and stratus. ![]() What is observed will vary due to the different directions and relative wind speeds associated with the different layers of clouds. In other words, all the observer can see is the lower clouds as well as parts of the higher level clouds through breaks of the lower clouds. The lower clouds will obscure part or all the view of the upper level clouds if they pass in between the observer's line of sight. The most efficient method used to recognise lower clouds is when observed in conjunction with other clouds. The clouds generally move in the direction of the wind very similar to the direction of the wind on the ground. When observed closely, it is easy to observe the turbulent motions and hence the ever-changing structure.īeing closer to the ground, lower level clouds appear to move or progress faster than other clouds. The clouds at this level also appear not as well defined. Because of the relatively low temperatures at this level of the atmosphere, lower level clouds usually reflect lower amounts of light and therefore usually exhibit low contrast. Lower level clouds consist of those clouds in the lower layers of the atmosphere. Consequently, clouds are classified into three main groups: lower, middle and high level clouds.Ĭertain techniques introduced earlier (that determine the heights and characteristics of clouds) are incorporated within this section to identify and categorise the different type of clouds. The layer of the atmosphere where almost all cloud exists is the troposphere, although the tops of some severe thunderstorms occasionally pierce the tropopause.īecause of the large range in temperatures and air movement in the troposphere, clouds vary in structure and composition (a combination of ice crystal and water). The cloud classification system Observation TechniquesĬlouds can occur at any level of the atmosphere wherever there is sufficient moisture to allow condensation to take place. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Details
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |