Clouds form through the process of condensation, which is part of the water cycle.

The basic steps

involved in cloud formation are as follows:

Evaporation: The sun heats the Earth's surface, causing water from oceans, rivers, lakes, and other bodies
of water to evaporate and rise into the atmosphere in the form of water vapor.

Air rising: As the warm, moist air rises, it cools down due to the decrease in air pressure at higher
altitudes. The cooler temperatures cause the water vapor to condense into tiny droplets or ice crystals
around microscopic particles in the air, such as dust, salt, or pollution. These particles are known as cloud
condensation nuclei (CCN).

Condensation: The water vapor continues to condense around the CCN, forming larger droplets or ice
crystals. These droplets and crystals are so small and light that they remain suspended in the air, creating
a cloud.

Cloud formation: As more and more water vapor condenses and adds to the droplets or ice crystals, the
cloud becomes more visible. The type and appearance of the cloud depend on various factors such as
temperature, humidity, and air currents.

Clouds can form at different altitudes and in various shapes and sizes, ranging from fluffy cumulus clouds
to thin cirrus clouds. They play a crucial role in the Earth's climate system by reflecting sunlight, shading
the surface, and releasing precipitation, which is essential for the water cycle and maintaining ecosystems
on Earth.