Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus clouds are fluffy, white clouds with flat bases that are often seen on a sunny day. They are formed by the vertical development of air currents, which causes the moisture in the air to condense into cloud droplets. These clouds are generally associated with fair weather, but can also grow into larger clouds, such as cumulonimbus clouds, which can bring thunderstorms.

Formation of Cumulus Clouds

Cumulus clouds are formed by the convection of warm air. As the sun heats the Earth's surface, the warm air rises and cools as it ascends. When the air reaches the dew point, the water vapor in the air condenses into tiny water droplets, forming a cumulus cloud. The flat base of the cloud is where the rising air has reached its dew point.

Characteristics of Cumulus Clouds

• Fluffy and white in appearance
• Flat base and a puffy, rounded top
• Often seen on a clear, sunny day
• Can develop into larger, more ominous clouds called cumulonimbus clouds

Study Guide

Here are some key points to remember about cumulus clouds:

1. What are cumulus clouds?
2. How are cumulus clouds formed?
3. What are the characteristics of cumulus clouds?
4. What weather is typically associated with cumulus clouds?
5. What are cumulonimbus clouds, and how do they differ from cumulus clouds?

[Cumulus Clouds] Related Worksheets and Study Guides:

• The SkyScience • First Grade
• Understanding WeatherScience • Eighth Grade