Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => The Environment => Topic started by: Geezer on 05/05/2011 19:37:17

Title: What makes clouds "melt"?
Post by: Geezer on 05/05/2011 19:37:17

While lying on a beach, I can remember watching small clouds heading south over the land, but as soon as they were vertically above the sea, they disappeared. What would cause that?

Title: What makes clouds "melt"?
Post by: CliffordK on 05/05/2011 21:33:21

Odd,

Cloud formation would be dependent on temperature and humidity at the elevation where the cloud forms.

The higher the temperature, the higher the dew point (or condensation point).  I suppose that is why people talk about fog burning off mid-day.

This would drive clouds back from the tiny suspended droplets back to vapor which would be invisible.

I would have expected the humidity to be higher over a water body, but perhaps it depends on the direction of the wind.  If the wind is blowing from land to sea, then it would be driven by the humidity over the land.  If it was the other way, then it would be driven by the humidity over the sea.

Title: What makes clouds "melt"?
Post by: Geezer on 05/05/2011 21:54:18

You know what! I think I have it the wrong way round  [:I]   (It was a very long time ago.)
 
I think the clouds were coming in off the sea, so it was probably just caused by heat rising off the land.