Interests: Clouds
Clouds are fascinating things in my opinion. They are created by a simple mechanism, but can be quite dramatic in appearance and they have a tremendous effect on the atmosphere.
Cloud formation
Clouds are formed by water evaporating from the earth's surface. As the water vapour rises, it cools down, it condenses on small particulate matter in the air such as dust, smoke etc.. If the cloud becomes too heavy, it will fall as precipitation.
Clouds may also be formed when a range of hills or mountains pushes the air upwards, causing it to cool down.
There are many different types of cloud. The mains ones are described on the cloud classification page.
Cloudy pictures
Try searching the Gallery.
Also, the Cloud Appreciation Society have a whole gallery of cloud photos.
last updated Autumn, 2007
