Author Question: This level in the atmosphere where the rising air becomes warmer than the surrounding air is called ... (Read 104 times)

lb_gilbert · **on:** Jul 13, 2018

This level in the atmosphere where the rising air becomes warmer than the surrounding air is called the ___________________ _.

Fill in the blank with correct word.

Question 2

How do castellanus clouds form, and what do they indicate?
What will be an ideal response?

dawsa925 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 13, 2018

Answer to Question 1

ANSWER: level of free convection

Answer to Question 2

ANSWER: Occasionally, altocumulus show vertical development and produce towerlike extensions. The clouds often resemble floating castles and, for this reason, they are called altocumulus castellanus. They form when rising currents within the cloud extend into conditionally unstable air above the cloud. Apparently, the buoyancy for the rising air comes from the latent heat released during condensation within the cloud. This process can occur in cirrocumulus clouds, producing cirrocumulus castellanus. When altocumulus castellanus appear, they indicate that the mid-level of the troposphere is becoming more unstable (destabilizing). This destabilization is often the precursor to shower activity. So a morning sky full of altocumulus castellanus will likely become afternoon showers and even thunderstorms.