A particle-based simulation of cloud formation. Water vapour rises from warm ground, cools adiabatically with altitude, and condenses at the dew point, forming cumulus, stratus and cumulonimbus clouds.
The thermodynamics of cloud formation: warm moist air rises, expands and cools. When temperature hits the dew point, water vapour condenses on nuclei. Convective strength determines cloud type — gentle lifting for stratus, vigorous for cumulonimbus.
Choose a cloud preset (cumulus, stratus, cumulonimbus) or adjust temperature and humidity manually. Watch particles rise, cool and condense at the Lifting Condensation Level.
Bolton's equation gives dew point to within 0.1°C. The lifting condensation level rises by roughly 125 m for every 1°C difference between air temperature and dew point.