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Cumulus Cloud Family |
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Heap |
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Description: |
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Cumulus clouds are "puffy", heap clouds.
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Height: |
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Cumulus can form in the lower, mid and
upper atmosphere. |
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Formation: |
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Cumulus clouds typically form from
pockets of warm, moist air that have been forced to rise. |
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Precipitation: |
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Possible - depending on type. |
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Examples |
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Cumulus Humilis - Low Level
"Fair Weather Cloud"
Formed by air that has been warmed by
the ground, causing it to rise. They are not very tall, a sign the
temperature above them either drops off very slowly or not at all.
When they appear in a clear sky, they are an indicator of pleasant
weather. |
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Altocumulus - Mid Level
"High Heaped Cloud"
These clouds are a sign of convection in
the mid-layers of the atmosphere. While they do not produce
precipitation they can be a sign of a front or thundershower later
in the day. Here convection from a lower stratocumulus cloud
has worked its' way to the mid-levels to create an Altocumulus at
its' top. |
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Cumulus Congestus - Low and Mid
"Towering Cumulus"
These clouds are a sign the atmosphere
is undergoing significant convection. They often produce
abundant precipitation and can mature into cumulonimbus clouds.
They can form from the heat of the day in an unstable atmosphere or
due to the presence of a front. |
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Cumulonimbus - All Levels
"Thunderstorm Cloud"
These clouds are the result of
significant convection. They bring precipitation and can
create severe weather. They can be identified by their flat
"anvil-head" tops. |
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Cumulus Family What kinds of cumulus clouds can you find in this
photo? |
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Explore.
Discover. Enjoy. |
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