Why are clouds grey when raining, but white otherwise?
Thickness. When clouds hold a load of moisture, they appear darker. When they are whiter, they don't have as much moisture, so they aren't dark.
The Short Answer
Thickness. When clouds hold a load of moisture, they appear darker. When they are whiter, they don't have as much moisture, so they aren't dark. If you see a green one, or greenish one, that means it is holding a lot of hail aloft. The sunshine acts as a prism and the light is bending towards the green.
Analysis
Key Concepts: Moisture, green, thickness
This explanation focuses on moisture, green, thickness and spans 58 words across 5 sentences. The depth is typical for Nature questions (category average: 71 words), striking a balance between accessibility and completeness.
What This Answer Covers
The explanation opens with: “Thickness.” It then elaboratesultimately building toward a complete picture across 5 connected points.
How This Compares in Nature
Ranked #276 of 500 Nature questions by answer depth (top 56%). This is in the concise tier — a focused explanation that prioritizes clarity over exhaustiveness. Many readers prefer this level of directness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a simple explanation for why clouds grey when raining, but white otherwise?
Thickness. When clouds hold a load of moisture, they appear darker. When they are whiter, they don't have as much moisture, so they aren't dark. If you see a green one, or greenish one, that means it is holding a lot of hail aloft. The sunshine…
How detailed is this explanation compared to similar Nature questions?
This is a focused answer at 58 words, ranked #276 of 500 Nature questions by depth. The key concepts covered are moisture, green, thickness.
What approach does this answer take to explain clouds grey when raining, but white otherwise?
The explanation uses direct explanation across 58 words. It is categorized under Nature and addresses the question through 1 analytical lens.