Chapter 5, Problem 1GST

To determine

The reason why low clouds are much more likely to produce precipitation than middle or high clouds.

Answer to Problem 1GST

Low clouds such as nimbostratus clouds are associated with warm fronts where warm, moist air overrides the colder air at the surface. They are the main clouds that result in precipitation.

Explanation of Solution

Various types of clouds include high clouds, middle clouds, low clouds, and clouds of vertical development. High clouds contain ice crystal or supercooled water droplets that are formed in the coldest and highest areas of the troposphere. They are formed with bases above 6000 meters. All high clouds are thin, white, and are made up of ice crystals due to their low atmospheric temperature and a small amount of water vapor present at high altitudes.

Middle clouds are located at the altitude from 2000 to 6000 meters and contain water droplets or ice crystals depending on the temperature of the atmosphere and the time of the year. Low cloudsare located at an altitude of 2000 meters and are composed of water droplets.The clouds whose bases originate in the lower stratosphere and extend to the middle or high altitudes are referred as the clouds of vertical development.