Cloud Formation: Terms and Definitions, Quizzes of Climatology

Download Cloud Formation: Terms and Definitions and more Quizzes Climatology in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 To make a cloud we need: DEFINITION 1 1. Moisture 2. Cloud Condensation Nuclei (CCN) or Ice Nuclei (IN) (more detail later on this) 3. A method of cooling the air to saturation TERM 2 Rising air always? DEFINITION 2 cools TERM 3 dry adiabatic lapse rate DEFINITION 3 9.8C/KMKnow the actual definition TERM 4 What happens as the air cools toward saturation and after saturation? DEFINITION 4 Actual vapor pressure remains a constant fraction of total pressure As temperature drops, saturation vapor pressure decreases (much faster than actual vapor pressure.) Thus, relative humidity increases When relative humidity gets close to 100% condensation will begin: a cloud will form. If lifting continues, the parcel will rise moist adiabatically release of latent heat will offset conversion of thermal energy into work: slower cooling rate than before. TERM 5 lifting condensation level (LCL DEFINITION 5 where will condensation occur. (LCL) is the altitude at which the lifted air is cooled dry adiabatically to saturation. Clouds will form at this height