What atmospheric phenomenon might occur when air rises and cools, leading to cloud formation?

The phenomenon that occurs when air rises and cools, leading to cloud formation, is condensation. As air rises, it expands due to lower pressure at higher altitudes, which causes it to cool. When the temperature of the air drops to the dew point, the water vapor in the air condenses into tiny water droplets, forming clouds. This process is essential in the water cycle and plays a crucial role in weather patterns.

The other options do not directly relate to the phenomenon associated with cloud formation. Concentration refers to the amount of a substance within a given volume and does not relate to the temperature and phase changes in the atmosphere. Evaporation is the process by which liquid water turns into vapor, which is the opposite of what happens during condensation. Insulation, in a meteorological context, typically refers to the absorption of solar energy, which does not relate directly to the cooling and rising of air. Understanding condensation is vital in grasping how clouds form and the broader aspects of meteorology and climate.