Cloud - Page 4

A cloud, in meteorological terms, is a visible mass of condensed water vapour or ice particles suspended in the atmosphere. Clouds appear in various shapes and sizes, typically classified into types based on their appearance and altitude—such as cirrus, cumulus, stratus, and nimbus. They play a crucial role in the Earth's climate and weather patterns, being integral to the water cycle. Clouds can influence temperature, precipitation, and atmospheric phenomena, acting as indicators of upcoming weather changes. They are formed through the cooling of air which causes water vapour to condense around tiny particles like dust or salt, becoming visible as a cloud.