Cumulus Cloud

Cumulus Cloud

Cumulus clouds are a type of low-level cloud that can have noticeable vertical development and clearly defined edges. Cumulo- means "heap" in Latin. They are often described as "puffy" or "cotton-like" in appearance, and are generally less than 6,500 feet (2,000 m) in altitude, unless they are of the vertical cumulus congestus form. Cumulus clouds may appear alone, in lines, or in clusters. Cumulus clouds are often precursors of other types of clouds, such as cumulonimbus, when influenced by weather factors such as instability, moisture, and temperature gradient. Cumulus clouds are part of the larger category of cumuliform clouds, which include stratocumulus clouds, cumulonimbus clouds, cirrocumulus clouds, and altocumulus clouds.

Read more about Cumulus Cloud:  Formation, Description, Forecast, Effects On Climate, Relation To Other Clouds

Famous quotes containing the word cloud:

    The cloud was so dark that it needed all the bright lights that could be turned upon it. But for four years there was a contagion of nobility in the land, and the best blood North and South poured itself out a libation to propitiate the deities of Truth and Justice. The great sin of slavery was washed out, but at what a cost!
    M. E. W. Sherwood (1826–1903)