Cumulus Clouds Facts

Even though one has to technically define a cloud as a visible mass of water and/or ice particles suspended at a considerable altitude, there would be millions of people out there who would feel that defining these attributes of nature as 'puffy balls of cotton' or 'white fluffy cotton wool' would be much more convenient. When we refer to these clouds as 'puffy balls of cotton' or 'white fluffy cotton wool' we most often refer to cumulus clouds. Several cumulus clouds facts, like why they have a fluffy appearance or why they have a flat base, continue to elude people. Before we move on to see what are some facts about cumulus clouds, let's have a look at the different types of clouds in brief.

Different Types of Clouds
Coming back to the technical aspect, there are several different types of clouds, which are grouped into different categories:

• Low level clouds include stratus clouds, cumulonimbus clouds and nimbostratus clouds.
• Mid level clouds include altocumulus clouds and altostratus clouds.
• High level clouds include cirrus clouds, cirrocumulus clouds and cirrostratus clouds.

Other than these cloud types, there also exist vertical clouds, such as the cumulus clouds. Cumulus clouds are important as there are significant chances that these clouds will go on to form cumulonimbus clouds or thunderstorms.

Cumulus Clouds Facts
Cumulus clouds are typically characterized by a flat base and a fluffy appearance. Owing to the fact that vertical development is one of the most prominent characteristics of a cumulus cloud, these clouds tend to appear quite low in the Earth's atmosphere, but stretch over a considerable distance in terms of height. A cumulus cloud can form at an altitude of as low as 330 ft above the ground. The flat base of the cumulus cloud can be attributed to the sheer fact that water vapor doesn't condense until it reaches a certain height. On the other hand, the upper portion of the cloud is quite fluffy as water vapor tends to drift upwards in the atmosphere. There are a number of cumulus cloud types, most important ones among which are cumulus fractus, cumulus castellanus, cumulus humilis and cumulus pileus. During fair weather, cumulus clouds act as evidence of relatively stable air. These clouds require a continuous supply of rising air to sustain, and if they don't get it, these clouds start eroding, and eventually disappear.

How do Cumulus Clouds Form?
Basically clouds form when water vapor rises upwards in the air, and condenses above the surface of the Earth. Cumulus clouds formation can be triggered in response to a wide range of weather conditions prevailing on the planet. These clouds form during fair weather as well as just before storms. In fact, cumulus clouds are precursors of various other types of clouds, including heavy clouds, such as cumulonimbus clouds. These clouds tend to form quite close to the surface of the Earth, however, their tendency of vertical development can make them huge and eventually convert them to thunderstorms if they continue to get required amount of rising air. The height at which cumulus clouds form can range between 8,000 ft to 20,000 ft, depending on the amount of moisture content in the rising air. Basically, higher humidity would mean lower cloud base.

These were some of the basic cumulus clouds facts intended to clear all your doubts about this cloud type. The next time you come across these fluffy clouds over the horizon, you can boast of knowing a lot more about them, other than their mere appearance. Cloud identifying is quite an interesting activity, and if you haven't indulged in the same as of now, you should give it a try as soon as possible.