Clouds
Clouds are one of the most fascinating sights to see in the sky. A cloud is a condensed form of atmospheric moisture consisting of small water droplets or tiny ice crystals. Clouds represent a vital step in the water cycle. This includes the evaporation of moisture from the surface of the earth, the carrying of the moisture into higher levels of the atmosphere, the condensation of water vapour into cloud masses, and the return of water to the surface as precipitation. The major topics to discuss when talking about clouds are types/levels, formation, and history. There are three types of clouds classified. The first group is called High Level Clouds. The type of clouds most often found in the high level stage are cirrus, cirrocumulus and cirrostratus. These clouds are composed primarily of ice crystals and usually present a bright white, or mostly white appearance except near sunrise or sunset. Cirrus clouds are detached clouds in the form of white delicate filaments, patches, or narrow bands. These clouds have a hair-like appearance. Cirrus clouds are composed almost exclusively of ice crystals.