Explain why altocumulus clouds might be observed at 6400 m (21,000 ft) above the surface in Mexico City, Mexico, but never at that altitude above Fairbanks, Alaska

What will be an ideal response?


ANSWER: Air temperatures aloft are much lower above polar latitudes than above subtropical latitudes. Altocumulus clouds usually contain liquid water. Over polar latitudes at 6400 m (21,000 feet), temperatures are generally low enough to freeze all liquid water. Therefore, the very cold air will produce a thin, ice crystal (cirriform) cloud. At 21,000 feet above the tropics and subtropics temperatures are not low enough to freeze all liquid water; consequently, thicker middle clouds may form at that altitude.?

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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