Science Common Sense

1824 - What determines the form of clouds and precipitation.

The form of clouds and precipitation is determined by three main things:

1. Temperature: Warm air makes clouds rise and creates soft, puffy clouds. Cold air makes clouds flatten and creates layered or wispy clouds.
2. Humidity: How much water is in the air. If the air is very humid, it creates big, thick clouds that can make precipitation.
3. Wind direction and speed: Wind can blow clouds together, making them bigger and creating precipitation. Wind direction and speed also help decide the shape and type of clouds that form.

Think of it like a recipe: temperature, humidity, and wind are like ingredients that mix together to create different types of clouds and precipitation.