The Science of Clouds
The Science of Clouds
Have you ever looked up at the sky and wondered what clouds are made of? Clouds are more than just fluffy white shapes. They are a fascinating part of our planet's weather system. Let's dive into the science behind these amazing formations!
What Are Clouds?
Clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals floating in the air. These droplets and crystals are so small and light that they can stay suspended in the sky. But where do they come from?
How Clouds Form
The journey of a cloud begins with water evaporating from Earth's surface – from oceans, lakes, rivers, and even plants. When water turns into a gas called water vapor, it rises into the atmosphere. As the water vapor rises, it cools down. Cool air can't hold as much water vapor as warm air, so the water vapor condenses. This means it turns back into liquid water or ice crystals.
For condensation to happen, water vapor needs something to condense onto. That's where tiny particles in the air come in. These particles, called condensation nuclei, can be dust, pollen, or even salt from the ocean. Water vapor condenses around these particles, forming tiny droplets or crystals.
- Condensation:
- When water vapor turns back into liquid water or ice.
- Precipitation:
- Water falling from clouds as rain, snow, or hail.
- Condensation Nuclei:
- Tiny particles in the air that water vapor condenses onto.
- evaporating:
- Changing from a liquid, such as water, into an invisible gas
- water vapor:
- Water that is in the form of an invisible gas floating in the air
- atmosphere:
- The protective blanket of air and gases that surrounds planet Earth
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Preview questions from this passageShowHide
- 1What are clouds made of?
- 2Where does the water in clouds come from?
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About this informational passage for Upper Elementary
“The Science of Clouds” is a informational reading passage about Weather Science, written for Upper Elementary. It takes about 3 minutes to read (392 words) and comes with an interactive quiz and a printable worksheet with comprehension questions and an answer key.