Cloud – Definition

Cloud

A visible collection of minute particle matter, such as water droplets and/or ice crystals, in the free air. A cloud forms in the atmosphere as a result of condensation of water vapor. Condensation nuclei, such as in smoke or dust particles, form a surface upon which water vapor can condense.

Water

Refers to the chemical compound, H2O, as well as its liquid form. At atmospheric temperatures and pressures, it can exist in all three phases: solid (ice), liquid (water), and gaseous (water vapor). It is a vital, life-sustaining part of life on earth.

Ice Crystals

Precipitation in the form of slowly falling, singular or unbranched ice needles, columns, or plates. They make up cirriform clouds, frost, and ice fog. Also, they produce optical phenomena such as halos, coronas, and sun pillars. May be called “diamond dust.”

Air

This is considered the mixture of gases that make up the earth’s atmosphere. The principal gases that compose dry air are Nitrogen (N2) at 78.09%, Oxygen (O2) at 20.946%, Argon (A) at 0.93%, and Carbon Dioxide (CO2) at 0.033%. One of the most important constituents of air and most important gases in meteorology is water vapor (H2O).

Atmosphere

The gaseous or air portion of the physical environment that encircles a planet. In the case of the earth, it is held more or less near the surface by the earth’s gravitational attraction. The divisions of the atmosphere include the troposphere, the stratosphere, the mesosphere, the ionosphere, and the exosphere.

Condensation

The process by which water vapor undergoes a change in state from a gas to a liquid. It is the opposite physical process of evaporation.

Water Vapor (H2O)

Water in gaseous form. It is one of the most import constituents of the atmosphere. Due to its molecular content, air containing water vapor is lighter than dry air. This contributes to the reason why moist air has a tendency to rise.

Condensation Nuclei

A particle upon which condensation of water vapor occurs. It may be either in a solid or liquid state.

Smoke

Small particles produced by combustion that are suspended in the air. A transition to haze may occur when the smoke particles have traveled great distance (25 to 100 miles or more), and when the larger particles have settled out. The remaining particles become widely scattered through the atmosphere.

Dust

Small particles of earth or other matter suspended in the air.

Service Area

Broward County: Andytown, Bonnie Loch-Woodsetter North, Boulevard Gardens, Broadview-Pompano Park, Broward Estates, Carver Ranches, Chambers Estates Chula Vista Isles, Coconut Creek, Collier Manor-Cresthaven, Cooper City, Coral Springs, Country Estates, Crystal Lake, Dania Beach, Davie, Deerfield Beach, Edgewater, Fort Lauderdale, Franklin Park, Golden Heights, Green Meadow, Hacienda Village, Hallandale Beach, Hillsboro Beach, Hillsboro Pines, Hillsboro Ranches, Hollywood, Ivanhoe Estates, Kendall Green, Lake Forest, Lauderdale-by-the-Sea, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Lazy Lake, Leisureville, Lighthouse Point, Loch Lomond, Margate, Melrose Park, Miramar, North Andrews Gardens, North Lauderdale, Oak Point, Oakland Park, Palm Aire, Parkland, Pembroke Park, Pembroke Pines, Pine Island Ridge, Plantation, Pompano Beach, Pompano Beach Highlands, Pompano Estates, Ramblewood East, Ravenswood Estates, Riverland Village, Rock Island, Rolling Oaks, Roosevelt Gardens, Royal Palm Ranches, Sea Ranch Lakes, Southwest Ranches, St. George, Sunrise, Sunshine Acres, Sunshine Ranches, Tamarac, Tedder, Terra Mar, Utopia, Village Park, Washington Park, West Ken-Lark, West Park, Weston, Wilton Manors

Counties: Brevard, Broward, Collier, Hendry, Indian River, Lee, Martin, Miami-Dade, Monroe, Palm Beach, St Lucie

412 Sunshine Blvd
Tavernier,
FL
33070