GEOG 170A1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 10: Cloud Condensation Nuclei, Thunderstorm, Heat Capacity
9 Oct 2014
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Geog 170: earth"s environment: introduction to physical geography - lecture 10: fog and thunderstorms. Midlatitude cyclones are low pressure systems of inwardly-spiraling air (counter- clockwise in the northern hemisphere). They are characterized by low surface pressures. Almost 1000 miles in diameter, move 800 miles a day, and move west to east. Clouds develop in these midlatitude cyclones when the cold air overruns the warm air, displacing the warm air upward. This warm air forcing results in condensation, and release of the latent heat energy that powers these cyclones. Clouds are aggregates of water droplets that cling to microscopic condensation nuclei in the atmosphere. Clouds are classified by altitude and shape. Cirroform clouds are wispy looking ice crystals that form at high altitudes. Horizontally developed flat, layered clouds look stratified" thus called stratiform. Vertically developed globular like clouds are cumuloform because they are.
