Observing from the ground, we can see that clouds move- but do they really move? If they do, how fast do clouds move?
Clouds are water vapors suspended in our atmosphere. They contain huge masses of water droplets or ice crystals assembled in significant volumes as they undergo the process of condensation. This makes them visible even thousands of feet below.
Clouds originate when water from the earth evaporates and is transformed into a gas, forming water vapor. As plain water vapor, we cannot see clouds at all. These water vapors in the air increase in volume and density and become saturated until they condense in the atmosphere.
But how fast do clouds move and what makes them move? These are just some more questions we shall be addressing as we progress in getting to know those wispy or grand cotton ball-like creations we see daily in the sky.
Do Clouds Move Constantly?
Since clouds are made up of water vapor, liquid droplets, and ice crystals, they are usually light and can be easily moved by the wind on every level of the atmosphere. The wind is the primary reason clouds are seen moving, and it determines the speed and direction in which the cloud will advance.
Another factor that may affect the speed at which cloud moves is the altitude, which is the distance measured from the earth’s ground to a point in the atmosphere. Wind in the higher part of the atmosphere is relatively strong compared to wind found in the lower layers of the atmosphere.
Weather Affecting Cloud Movements
You may ask how fast do rain clouds move or how fast do storm clouds move? Generally, clouds are said to move within 30 to 120 miles within an hour. On a typically windy day, clouds can go at a greater speed.
Cirrus clouds usually form at higher layers of the atmosphere. These clouds are light and have less dense vapor formation, allowing strong winds found at higher altitudes to carry it easily.
In the occurrence of jet streams where a narrow band of solid, strong winds blows in the upper portion of the atmosphere, cirrus clouds can move as fast as 100mph or more.
During bad weather and storm, cloud movement can be limited. This is due to the greater density and thickness of saturated water vapor. In seasons where nimbus cumulus clouds are prevalent, clouds travel within 30 to 40 mph.
You need to consider the type of cloud and its altitude to know the cloud movement speed. You also need to see the speed of the wind and the density of the cloud to get the actual cloud speed.
What Forms Clouds?
Sometimes we may also wonder why there are fewer clouds that show movement across the sky. We must be aware that certain conditions must be met to condense water vapor in the atmosphere and make it visible from the ground. These factors also determine the type of clouds formed within the area.
Cool Air Temperature
As the water vapor becomes heated, it becomes lighter and starts going up in the air in the form of gas. It travels further away from the ground until it reaches a point in the atmosphere where it is cooler.
When clouds reach cooler regions of the atmosphere, they eventually slow down in movement and catch up with other water vapor collected in the air.
They stay together constantly but in a slower motion until the water vapor becomes thicker, saturated, and dense. The cold air temperature allows water vapors to reach their dew point, where the water vapor starts to liquefy.
Presence of Condensation Nuclei
It is not enough that the temperatures go down for water vapor to condense and form clouds. Clouds are created through the presence of condensation nuclei. These are microscopic particles suspended in the air that have an average size of 0.2 µm.
Water vapors attach themselves to these microscopic particles until they grow in volume and reach saturation condensate or change into liquid from a gas form.
Condensation nuclei may either come from natural or synthetic sources. Organic sources include dust from desert storms, soot from fires, volcanic ash, and plant pollen.
Smoke from factories and the combustion of vehicles also contribute CCNs in the air. A large number of condensation nuclei is alarming since water vapor will tend to stay longer in the air in the form of smog and haze rather than precipitate to earth as rain and ice.
FAQ
How fast was the fastest cloud?
The fastest cloud in the sky moves at an average speed of between 30 and 250 mph. Generally, the higher the wind speed, the higher the speed of high-level clouds like cirrus and cirrostratus. These clouds can move at a speed of 100mph during jet stream.
Do clouds move, or do we move?
We can see clouds constantly moving while other times it seems still. Earth’s rotation affects how we see cloud’s movement, but the wind is primarily responsible for inducing movement. Sometimes, we do not feel any wind at ground level, but the clouds in the sky move fast. This occurrence is due to varying wind speeds at different layers of the atmosphere at a specific moment.
How far do clouds travel in a day?
Clouds can travel as far as hundred miles per day, and the significant element here is the altitude where they are formed. Low-lying clouds can form at the height of 5000 ft with a wind speed of eighteen miles per hour and are traveling a little slower than clouds lying within 12,000 feet, which are estimated to travel at 25mph.
Conclusion
Wind speed is the main force that drives clouds into motion. The other factor is the altitude where the cloud is formed. At a higher layer of the atmosphere, winds are far stronger and move faster. Ultimately, cloud density and weather conditions are significant elements when observing cloud motion.
We hope this article has inspired you to go out and observe the clouds as they constantly paint our sky in changing patterns?
