Clouds and the changing atmosphere
Clouds are visible collections of tiny water droplets, ice crystals, or a mixture of both suspended in the atmosphere. They develop when conditions allow water vapour to condense or freeze around very small particles. Their appearance ranges from thin streaks to broad layers and tall rising masses. These shapes provide clues about movement, moisture, and temperature in the air, although a single cloud does not tell the whole story of the weather. Air can rise for several reasons. Sun-warmed ground may heat the air above it, hills can force moving air upward, and larger weather systems can lift air across…