Cumulus cloud
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| Abbreviation | Cu |
|---|---|
| Genus | Cumul (heap) |
| Altitude | Below 2,000 m (Below 6,500 ft) |
| Classification | Family C (Low-level) |
| Precipitation Cloud? | Depends. Cumulus humilis and mediocris, most likely no, but cumulus congestus, sometimes, even often yes. |
Cumulus clouds are usually puffy, with noticeable vertical development. They often have a popcorn-like appearance and distinct edges. They can be found alone or in clusters.
One of the unique characteristics of cumulus clouds is their creation of wind. This is because the first rain to fall from the base of a cumulus cloud evaporates into the air beneath and cools it, often by several degrees. This cooled air will then descend: the cooler it is, the faster it will fall. Thus, wind begins to come down from the cloud at about the same time as rain does. The drier the air beneath the cloud, the more capable it is of being cooled by evaporation; and so long as there is enough rain coming out of the cloud, the air will continue to cool. As it drops beneath the cloud, the cold air spreads out in all directions along the ground. The light wind moving in towards the cloud suddenly becomes a squall rushing out from it. Rain falls, often in grey streaks below the cloud, or in a dramatic arch of black cloud spreading out from the parent cloud.
Over the sea, cumulus clouds are normally found in regularly spaced lines. The best examples of these lines are found in the trade winds where they extend for many miles. These create a pattern in the vertical movement of air, causing it to roll horizontally. Between the lines of cloud are stronger, more gusty and slightly veered winds; but beneath the lines of cloud, somewhat lighter and more backed wind.
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