What Is a Cloud Forest?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. What is a cloud forest?

The Big Idea

A cloud forest grows high on a tropical mountain, where clouds drift right through the trees. The air is cool, damp, and misty all day long. The trees are covered with moss, ferns, and orchids that soak up water from the fog.

High on a Mountain

Step one: high up. Moist air from below rises up the mountain and cools, forming clouds. Those clouds drift right through the treetops, wrapping them in mist.

Combing the Clouds

Step two: combing the clouds. Tiny cloud droplets cling to leaves, moss, and branches, then drip to the ground. That water feeds streams far below.

Mossy Gardens

Step three: mossy gardens. Moss, ferns, and orchids grow on the branches, soaking up water from the fog. Cloud forest trees are often shorter and twisted because of strong wind and mist.

A Closer Look

Let's climb up the mountain! The forest sits high above sea level, on the mountain slopes. Clouds float right through the trees. Moss, ferns, and orchids cover the branches. And the water drips down into streams below.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Cloud forest trees are often shorter and twisted from wind and mist. Treetops comb water out of the clouds. Cloud forests are cool, damp, and misty. Ask a grown-up to help with warm water.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! With a grown-up, pour a little warm tap water into a bowl. Hold a cold metal spoon above the water, not touching it. Watch drops form on the spoon. Trees catch cloud droplets in a similar way.

Outro

A cloud forest is a misty home in the clouds. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!