how is the speed and direction of clouds determined?

Question

im only in 8th grade so a one-word answer would be good

Answer 1

As clouds move as per the wind speed and direction at its level,the data obtained from balloon ascents can give the required data.Doppler radar also give the above data.

Answer 2

Greetings Nicole; Some weathermen release a large, gas filled balloon (sometimes called a Pie Ball) into the air and track it as it rises. Using specialized equipment, they can track the speed of the wind by how fast the balloon is pushed. This reveals the speed of the clouds that are being pushed by the same wind speed as the balloon.

Also, clounds that have a lot of moisture in them, such as storm clouds, can be tracked with Doppler Radar. Echos bounce off the rain drops back to the radar. This allows the radar to determine the speeds of these cloud types. As rain gets closer, or farther away from the radar, the echos from the raindrops are received faster or slower, depending on the cloud direction. This change can be measured by the Algebraic equation for Time/Speed/Distance, and displayed on a computer screen. Its what you see when you watch the clouds move on the Weather Channel. Cheers!

Answer 3

Cloud direction is most easily determined by looking at them. Line up the cloud against a fixed object and watch the direction it moves. You can determine the directions of multiple layers of cloud this way.

You can determine the speed at which clouds are moving using satellite imagery, radar imagery and knowing the winds at various levels from pilot balloon flights. You can also determine the direction using these methods.

Answer 4

by the wind patterns.