Smologies #32: CLOUDS with Rachel Storer | Ologies with Alie Ward

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” Alie talks to Rachel Storer, a nephologist who studies clouds. They delve into the fascinating world of clouds, exploring their formation, different types, and the impact of climate change on cloud patterns.

Main Takeaways

Cloud Formation and Types

• Nephology is the study of clouds, and it comes from the Greek word for cloud.
• Clouds are made up of a lot of water in the air, but the droplets are very small.
• Clouds are kept in place by the little bits of air moving up and around them.
• Rain droplets form when the cloud droplets get big enough and heavy enough to fall on their own.
• Clouds can come in many shapes and sizes, and some can even be shaped like dinosaurs.
• Two main types of clouds: stratus (layered) and cumulus (convective)
• Cumulus clouds are puffy and fluffy, while stratus clouds are flat and layered
• Pyroclastic clouds are formed from heat and fire, and can be both terrifying and sad
• Pyrocumulus clouds form from strong convection caused by fires and look like fluffy steam clouds
• Lenticular clouds are wave clouds that form when air is forced over a mountain and have a UFO-like shape
• Nimbus clouds mean rain and cumulonimbus clouds look like heaps of whipped cream
• Anvil clouds form when storm clouds hit the tropopause and spread out, resembling the shape of an anvil
• Dew point is the temperature at which water would condense given the amount of moisture that’s currently in the air.
• Fog is a cloud that’s touching the ground, and there are no hard boundaries between a cloud and not a cloud.
• Clouds are categorized into three levels: high-up cirrus clouds, middle-altos clouds, and low stratus or cumulus clouds.
• Clouds appear white because light bounces off droplets in different directions
• Overcast winter skies are due to stable stratus clouds that form during that type of weather
• Clouds on other planets exist and can be different from Earth’s clouds (Melissa Crossey)

Climate Change and Clouds

• Climate change will affect cloud patterns and radiation, but no cloud will go extinct
• Climate change can cause shifts in climate patterns and affect precipitation

Weather and Climate

• Difference between weather and climate is a common question
• Climate is the clothes in your closet, weather is the clothes you wear (Elizabeth Gagne)

Fun Facts about Clouds

• The darker a cloud, the more stuff is in it (Eliza Gaston)
• Red skies at night can indicate good weather (Library of Congress)
• In methane stormy regions of Saturn, it could rain up to 2.2 million pounds of diamonds annually (NASA, JPL researchers)

Other Interesting Points

• Nephologists love that they get to study cool things and work with others who are excited about it too
• Keeping a list of things loved ones like can make gift-giving easier and more thoughtful
• Check out alleyword.com/smallages for more kids safe and shorter episodes

Summary

Cloud Formation and Types

Nephology, the study of clouds, explores the formation and various types of clouds. Clouds are made up of small water droplets that are kept in place by the movement of air around them. Rain droplets form when cloud droplets become heavy enough to fall. Clouds can take on different shapes, including puffy cumulus clouds and flat stratus clouds. Pyroclastic clouds are formed from heat and fire, while pyrocumulus clouds are caused by strong convection from fires. Lenticular clouds have a unique UFO-like shape and form when air is forced over a mountain. Nimbus clouds indicate rain, and cumulonimbus clouds resemble heaps of whipped cream. Anvil clouds form when storm clouds hit the tropopause and spread out.

Climate Change and Clouds

Climate change has the potential to impact cloud patterns and radiation, leading to shifts in climate patterns and affecting precipitation. However, no cloud will go extinct due to climate change.

Weather and Climate

The difference between weather and climate is a common question. Weather refers to the current atmospheric conditions, while climate refers to long-term weather patterns. Climate is often compared to the clothes in your closet, while weather is the clothes you wear.

Fun Facts about Clouds

Clouds can reveal interesting phenomena. The darker a cloud, the more particles it contains. Red skies at night can indicate good weather. On Saturn, in methane stormy regions, it could rain up to 2.2 million pounds of diamonds annually.

Other Interesting Points

Nephologists find joy in studying clouds and collaborating with fellow enthusiasts. Keeping a list of loved ones’ interests can make gift-giving more thoughtful. For more kid-safe and shorter episodes, visit alleyword.com/smallages.

Conclusion

Clouds are a captivating subject of study, with their diverse formations and impact on weather patterns. Understanding clouds and their behavior helps us comprehend the complexities of our atmosphere and the effects of climate change. So next time you look up at the sky, take a moment to appreciate the beauty and science behind those fluffy formations.