What kind of clouds are cumulus

When the aircraft releases the hot water vapor at such a high altitude, it becomes trapped in a very cold environment where it almost immediately condenses and forms a cloud. Depending on how dry the upper atmosphere is, the contrail cloud may stick around for mere seconds or spread out and become cirrus clouds for hours. However, these clouds are not associated with any weather. The lenticular cloud is one of the more unusual cloud types and is more common to those living out west, especially in the Rocky Mountains.

This cloud resembles a lens and is typically positioned over a high hill or mountain. As the wind blows against the mountains, it is forced upward and moisture condenses, forming a cloud that stays stationary until the uplift or moisture feed ends. Although these clouds could produce precipitation if dense enough, they are mainly an indicator of air turbulence downstream.

However, due to their unique shape, many times they have been mistaken for UFO sightings! Finally, we have mammatus clouds. These almost look like little pouches or bubbles of cloud hanging from the above cloud deck. Though their formation is still not completely known, they are generally associated with severe weather and usually extend from cumulonimbus clouds.

Thus, you should always be alert for stronger thunderstorms if you ever see mammatus clouds! Such clouds also inform pilots of turbulent flying conditions and they are instructed to avoid the area. Hopefully you can appreciate those beautiful, puffy masses of water in the sky whether you are an avid weather enthusiast or just curious when weather threatens.

Not only can clouds make great photographs, but they can also provide insight into approaching weather, so keep an eye to the sky! Are you obsessed with weather? Now you can listen to more weather discussions and topics in The Weather Lounge , a new podcast with hosts Brad Miller and Mike Mihalik, both of whom are also meteorologists.

Tremendous amounts of energy are released by the condensation of water vapor within a cumulonimbus. Lightning, thunder, and even violent tornadoes are associated with the cumulonimbus. Here are some examples of cumulonimbus clouds:. Back to Cloud Types. Marquette Regional History Center.

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