Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus clouds are fluffy, white clouds with a flat base and a puffy, rounded top. They are often described as resembling cotton balls or cauliflower. These clouds are typically associated with fair weather, but can also develop into larger storm clouds if the atmospheric conditions are right.

Formation of Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus clouds form as a result of convection, where warm air rises and cools as it ascends. When the air reaches a certain altitude, the moisture in the air condenses into water droplets, forming the visible cloud. The flat base of the cumulus cloud is the level at which the rising air has cooled enough for condensation to occur, while the puffy top is where the air continues to rise and expand.

Characteristics of Cumulus Clouds

These clouds are typically low to mid-level clouds, with their base generally below 6,500 feet. They are composed mostly of water droplets, and their white color is due to the scattering of sunlight by the water droplets. Cumulus clouds often have well-defined edges and can vary in size from small, isolated clouds to large, towering formations.

Study Guide

1. What are the characteristics of cumulus clouds?
2. How do cumulus clouds form?
3. Describe the appearance of cumulus clouds.
4. At what altitude are cumulus clouds typically found?
5. What weather conditions are cumulus clouds associated with?

Understanding cumulus clouds is an important part of meteorology and can help in predicting weather patterns. Make sure to study the formation, characteristics, and associated weather conditions of cumulus clouds.