Weather Things: Man-Made Clouds

The video tutorial explains contrails, which are condensation trails formed by aircraft at high altitudes. These trails are made of ice crystals and can vary in length depending on humidity. Contrails can merge with natural clouds, making them hard to distinguish. They also provide insights into wind direction and speed at flight levels. The video further discusses how contrails can cast shadows and appear illuminated by the sun. Additionally, it introduces hole punch clouds and dissipation trails, which are unique cloud formations caused by aircraft.

What are contrails and how do they form?

Explain the factors that affect the persistence of contrails.

Describe the visual characteristics of contrails and how they interact with natural clouds.

What is a hole punch cloud and how is it formed?

What are dissipation trails and how do they differ from contrails?