Cumulus

Cumulus clouds over ruins in Mexico, showing the puffy shape and dense occurrence typical of the clouds. larger image Towering cumulus with a rain-free base. larger image

A Cumulus cloud is a cloud belonging to a class characterized by dense individual elements in the form of puffs, mounds or towers, with flat bases and tops that often resemble cauliflower. They are found form in the troposphere at a lower altitude than altocumulus, usually below 8000 ft (2400 m).

They have often been described as cauliflower-like in structure. They occur at heights of 500-6000 meters in elevation from the earth and most often occur scattered or in dense heaped packs. They are formed due to buoyant upward convection during warm, anti-cyclonic summer weather.

External Link

• National Science Digital Library - Cumulus (http://www.nsdl.arm.gov/Library/glossary.shtml#Cumulus)