Clouds form through a fascinating process involving water vapor, air pressure, and temperature. Here's a breakdown of the steps involved:
- Evaporation: It starts with water evaporating from bodies of water (like oceans, lakes, and rivers) and the Earth's surface. This process transforms liquid water into water vapor, an invisible gas.
- Rising Air: The warm, moist air rises into the atmosphere.
- Cooling and Decreasing Air Pressure: As the air rises, it encounters lower pressure and cooler temperatures. The reference text specifically mentions that "When air rises in the atmosphere it gets cooler and is under less pressure."
- Condensation: As the air cools, the water vapor begins to condense. Condensation is the process where water vapor changes back into liquid water. The reference text states, "When air cools, some of the water vapor condenses. As air pressure drops, some water vapor condenses too."
- Cloud Formation: The water vapor condenses into tiny water droplets, and these droplets cluster together to form a cloud.
