This page's content is no longer actively maintained, but the material has been kept on-line for historical purposes.
The page may contain broken links or outdated information, and parts may not function in current web browsers.

Lessons and Modules

Introduction to Clouds

Explore Two Extreme Types of Clouds

The properties of a cloud determine how that cloud will interact with the various parts of the electromagnetic spectrum. Two extreme cases provide the best examples of these interactions. Cirrus Clouds are high in the atmosphere and optically thin, while stratus clouds are low in the atmosphere and optically thick. The stages below show the possible effects produced by these two extreme cloud types.

Cirrus Clouds










(animated effects)
  Cirrus Clouds
Stage 1: The yellow arrow represents incoming, predominantly short wavelength, solar light approaching a cirrus cloud. The red arrow represents long wavelength radiation (heat) from the earth's surface approaching a cirrus cloud.
   
Stratus Clouds










(animated effects)
  Stratus Clouds
Stage 1: The yellow arrow represents incoming short wavelength solar light approaching a stratus cloud. The red arrow represents long wavelength heat radiation approaching a stratus cloud.

After seeing the effects of the extreme cloud types, move on to the next step, to make a prediction about cloud formations during storms.