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Chapter 6 Weather Patterns Lesson 1 Clouds Clouds form when water vapor in the air condenses to form liquid water or ice crystals. Condensation is the process in which water molecules in water vapor become liquid water because of a change in temperature. The role of cooling Prevailing winds can move air masses that are cold or warm over regions. As air cools the amount of water vapor it can hold decreases. Water vapor then condenses and turns into tiny droplets of water or ice crystals. Dew point is the temperature at which condensation begins. The role of particles Particles in the air are very important. In order for clouds to form tiny particles must be present in the atmosphere so that the water has a surface on which to condense. Most of these particles are salt crystals, dust, or smoke. Without them clouds could not form. Three main types of Clouds Scientist classify clouds into three main types based on their shape. Cirrus Cumulus stratus Cirrus clouds Cirrus clouds are wispy feather looking clouds that form at high altitudes and low temperature. They look like feathery paint brush strokes high above the atmosphere. These clouds are made of ice crystals. Cirrus Clouds Cumulus Clouds Clouds that look like cotton balls are called cumulus. These clouds form low in the atmosphere but can extend very high upwards. If the cumulus is low it indicates fair weather but if it’s large and extend upward like a mushroom it means bad weather and thunderstorms, these are then called cumulusnimbus. Cumulus Clouds Stratus Clouds Clouds that form in flat layers are know as stratus. These clouds can cover the entire sky and are dull, gray colors.