Costa Rica has an interesting aspect of geography because of its cloud forest. Cloud forests are unique highland forests characterized by 100% humidity. A significant portion of their precipitation is derived from the surrounding clouds and mist. As a result of the moisture abundance, cloud forests maintain tremendous biodiversity, captivating visitors and scientists alike. For the most part, cloud forest zones are significantly cooler than their lowland and beach counterparts, so bring a sweater, light jacket, and your hiking boots to explore these enchanting highland jungles.
Photo Source: http://www.nomadicmatt.com/travel-blogs/the-weekly-photo-cloud-forest/
This picture is an example of a Stratus cloud from the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Stratus clouds are uniform grayish clouds that often cover the entire sky. They resemble fog that does not reach the ground. Usually no precipitation falls from stratus clouds, but sometimes they may drizzle. When a thick fog “lifts,” the resulting clouds are low stratus. It is common to see blue sky above Stratus clouds as they are normally very low clouds.
Photo Source: http://stevekluge.com/geoscience/images/
This picture is an example of a Stratocumulus cloud from the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Stratocumulus clouds usually form at the top of a layer mixed by moderate surface winds. Sometimes, they form from the breaking up of stratus or the spreading out of cumulus. They generally appear as a low, lumpy layer of clouds that is sometimes accompanied by weak intensity precipitation. Stratocumulus vary in color from dark gray to light gray and may appear as rounded masses, rolls, etc., with breaks of clear sky in between.
Photo Source: http://www.fantasyarts.net/visit-costa-rica-and-make-it-as-your-perfect-hangout/
This picture is an example of Cumulus clouds from the Monteverde Cloud Forest.
Cumulus clouds are a genus-type of low-level cloud that can have noticeable vertical development and clearly defined edges. Cumulo- means “heap” or “pile” in Latin. They are often described as “puffy” or “cotton-like” in appearance, and generally have flat bases.
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