Nearby Water

The circulation of water from land surfaces, vegetation, and large bodies of water is a critical factor in rainfall - a criteria used to identify climate types. Locations near large bodies of water may have more precipitation than other locations depending on the direction of air movement. Air temperature may also be affected by large bodies of water.

Evaporation takes in energy from the atmosphere generating a cooling effect. Cloud cover caused by condensation of water around dust particles can reduce incoming solar radiation causing daytime temperatures to be lower. Cloud cover at night may trap thermal infrared radiating from surfaces causing night time temperatures to be warmer than normal.. A clear night sky allows thermal infrared to radiate further into the atmosphere resulting in cooling.

Make of Model

Use a model to demonstrate that cloud formation requires water, changes in pressure, and dust particles.

Materials

• 1 liter clear, plastic soda bottle
• thermometer suspended inside the bottle
• smoke from a match
• small amount of water
• soda bottle pressure pump