Cloud Formations: Nature’s Masterpiece
Cloud formations can be one of the most breathtaking and romantic sights in nature, but they are also a complex and scientifically fascinating natural phenomenon. Regardless of their shape and appearance, all clouds are composed of condensed water or ice. When the sun heats the Earth’s surface, warm air rises and evaporates into the sky. Once water vapor particles cluster together, a cloud is formed. If more water crystals join and the cloud continues to grow, it will eventually reach the ground as rain or snow. Otherwise, the clouds simply evaporate into the air.
Although cloud formations may appear random and indescribable, there is a uniform cloud classification system used worldwide. In 1802, Luke Howard, a British manufacturing chemist and amateur meteorologist, introduced a nomenclature system for clouds. Today, clouds are categorized based on their shape, altitude, formation process, and other features.
You don’t need to be a meteorologist or a science enthusiast to appreciate the beauty of a cloudy sky. Here are some stunning photos of clouds, including some rare and unusual formations that you may have never seen before:
Lenticular Clouds
Undulatus Asperatus
Fallstreak Hole
Polar Stratospheric Cloud
Cirrus Kelvin-Helmholtz
Roll Clouds
Anvil Clouds
Also, be sure to check out “Smeared Sky Photography” by Matt Molloy.
These various cloud formations are undeniably among the most beautiful and romantic sights in nature. Still, these masses of liquid droplets are also a complex and scientifically intriguing natural phenomenon. The interesting fact is that regardless of the shape and appearance of the cloud, they’re all made of the same thing – condensed water or ice. When the sun heats the ground, warm air starts to evaporate and rise towards the sky. Once these water vapor particles cluster together, a cloud is formed. If it is being joined by more water crystals and keeps growing, it will eventually reach us on the ground as rain or snow. Otherwise, the clouds simply evaporate into the air.
Even though all these beautiful cloud formations might seem random and indescribable to you, there’s a whole cloud classification system that’s uniform worldwide. Luke Howard, a British manufacturing chemist, and an amateur meteorologist, was the first to introduce a nomenclature system for clouds back in 1802. Today, clouds are categorized based on their shape, altitude, the process of formation, and other features.
Luckily, you don’t need to be a meteorologist or a science fan to appreciate the beauty of a cloudy sky. Here’s a selection of some stunning cloud photos – we bet that among them, you’ll find some weird cloud formations that you’ve never actually seen before!
