Lecture 5: Introduction to cloud formation and convection in the atmosphere

In this lecture we will go over the basics of how cumuloform clouds are created by convection cells. We will go over lapse rates and sketch out where clouds would form given the atmospheric conditions.

This was originally part of the Blue Planet lecture series at the University of New Mexico. If you are interested in weather, this lecture is now part of my "weather short course" playlist, where there are another ~15 videos similar to this one.

[WitheringCovet]

I love clouds sm, I really liked the way you talk through your lectures. I have adhd and autism, I find it difficult to sit through lecture style courses but this one was hands on and thoroughly explained. I didn’t find it difficult to absorb the information and I could simply pause to take notes.

[php]

Hi Mel. Today I passed my European Air Transportation Pilot Licence theory exam. It includes Meteorology. That was the field I was fearing the most. You helped me a lot understanding some concepts. Thanks a lot. I hope the cat is doing well.

[JenniferFuller-fh]

I love diving down this rabbit hole of why and how weather works. I also love how your cat is always chillin' with you.

[chizzo]

Airline Pilot here…from Brazil. Mann, internet is amazing! Thanks for the matter.

[hellkell]

We are taught in aviation the temperature lapse rate is 2°C/3°F for every 1000’. I always thought it was the dry rate not the wet rate.
That cat likes to sleep! Thank you for the polishing of my weather knowledge.

[vmj]

Sir, you made me want to go back to school again. This is amazing! Extremely well explained. Enjoying watching every second of your lectures. Thank you so much.

[mikecN]

I love these videos! Tonight I will raise a toast to condensation nuclei. For without them we had have no clouds or rain!

[nab]

Fantastic content, great teaching style and a much appreciated sense of humor... very well done

[joshh]

"Cuz MERICA that's why!"




Subscribed!

[edwardmalthouse]

I'm studying marine weather, and this video was very helpful. Other sailors should know about this series. Thank you so much!

[lochlainnmacneill]

As a glider pilot I have experienced thermals many times. That's why we fly in tight circles to remain in the thermal as long as possible unlike the 'bird brains'. Sometimes the aircraft shudders noticeable in the thermal as is rises. Great video.

[kudaisiaduntola]

Loved this lecture, particularly the bit about condensation trails. So much to learn about the atmosphere and properties of air!

[dianelacy]

I am taking US Power Squadron courses for boaters and on the Weather Course. Your lectures completely reinforced, clarified, put the course content in context. You explained the 'why' and 'how'....besides that your instruction delivery is addictive to want to learn more...kudos

[TheNightstang]

I am bummed it took me so long to find this guy. Great content! I will be binging on learning more about how weather works.

[davidevans]

Fantastic videos, everything explained, demonstrated so clearly yet thoroughly, with humour. I m not a student, just interested in the weather, and i think Mels teaching techniques are superb.

[pwcstatenet]

These are so good. Also easy to see you are a very good cat dad.

[danwylie-sears]

3:07 Fly ash mostly isn't carbon soot like from a candle flame. It's whatever else was in the coal: silica, alumina, lime.

[zabahlla]

Fantastic! Crystal clear and entertaining. Stronger than ever.

[jonathanmorgan]

Echoing the other comments here; awesome content! Been spending months reading, watching, searching for weather material and these lectures are the BEST. Thank you

[richardheiman]

I'm a federal wildland fire lookout. These are really helpful to me in my work, though I'm probably starting to sound like a know it all in my daily weather updates. Thanks Mel and love the cat.