“Clouds & Precipitation”
18.2/18.3

What is Condensation?
Condensation forms when…?
…Air becomes saturated.
•	Add water vapor
•	Cool Air (dew point)
If condensation requires cooling, how do we get clouds on hot days?
•	Air Compression (close together!)
–	↑ Motion of gas molecules 
–	↑ Kinetic E.
–	↑ Temp
•	Air Expansion (spread apart!)
–	Air cools

Altitude & Heating/Cooling
Condensation Needs…
•	S_________ (wet) Air!
and also…
•	Surface!
–	“Condensation Nuclei”
–	Car
–	Cup 
–	DUST

Cloud Types.
Classified (grouped) by 1.) Form, & 2.) Height 

3 Cloud Heights.
•	High 
–	“Cirro-”
–	Thin & White
–	Freezing cold
•	Middle 
–	“Alto-”
–	Some precipitation

Precipitation.
•	Water molecules cool
•	Squish together
•	Grow
•	Fall!