Denver, Colorado is often known for having 300 sunny days each year; Red Rocks Amphitheater is located in Morrison, Colorado, just 15 miles west making it a great location to enjoy the Colorado climate. However this does not mean that it will be sunny everyday and the difference can be recognized by understanding weather and climate. Climate is what can be expected, the average condition of the atmosphere over a long period of time. Weather on the other hand, is the atmosphere's condition you can get at any given moment. Weather can change in an instant where as climate is the expected conditions.
A view from the top of the rocks shows an average day in Colorado. The view may be representative of the climate, average conditions of the area, however does not necessarily represent the weather at any given moment.
Climate can be classified using Köppen's general scheme which is a letter based system to classify different areas of the earth. This link to the Koeppen Classification Chart, will show how any given area can be classified into a 3 letter group using this system. In order to classify Red Rocks Amphitheater we can look to chart for answers. Being a dry climate the first letter in the classification is 'B'. From here we go on to identify the area as a steppe rather than a desert, meaning the second letter is 'S'. For the final letter we can identify the area as cold over hot, otherwise known as "k". This means that the semi-arid climate of the Red Rock's Area can be classified as 'BSk' using Köppen's method.
Weather has the ability to change in an instant. A concert at Red Rock's Amphitheater last summer shows how thunderstorms can come pouring rain out of nowhere. The simple combination of moisture and unstable air, which rises rapidly, have the ability to form monstrous thunderstorms.
Thunderstorms come from a specific type of cloud known as
cumulonimbus. However, there are many
different types of clouds each defined by their altitude, shape and
precipitation. Cumulonimbus are mid to low level clouds. These clouds will appear puffy and are very
large; they are also often known for bringing intense precipitation with them
There are a wide variety of clouds which can each be classified by unique characteristics. When classifying clouds it is important to note their altitude appearance and if they are giving off precipitation. Clouds can form individually, but it is not uncommon to see many types when looking into the sky.
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