Why do clouds form over land and dont go beyond coast lines?

Question

Ive noticed from satellite images of clouds, that they have a tendency to form right over the land or island and stop just short of the coast and not go beyond. It just forms right over the land and no where else (not counting those few storms in the ocean). Why is this? Wouldnt they form over the ocean because water is evaporating?

Answer 1

I'm looking at Accuweather radar right now, and I see clouds over the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, as well as the Gulf of Mexico.

Answer 2

I think what you are referring to are images taken during the daylight hours.  During the day, the ocean is cooler than the land (they warm and cool at different rates).  The cooler, higher pressure air over the water tends to flow inland where it creates a sea breeze.  This cooler air passes under the warmer air and causes it to rise more quickly.  The warmer air forced aloft soon reaches its dew point and clouds form.  

So, the clouds are forming above the landmass by prevailing winds blowing in from the sea and you get the effect you are describing.  

Very good question!

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Answer 3

that's probably only THAT time......did u know that there are ocean storms?.....the wind or pressure is going towards land....that's probably y u saw them only on land

Answer 4

Well, I lived on the coast of North Carolina a year ago...I lived on an Island! The clouds DID form over the Ocean..at least there, they did!  :)