Explain why cumulus clouds are often observed to form, gradually ...

[ENagel]

Explain why cumulus clouds are often observed to form, gradually disappear, and then reform in the same spot.

Question 2

What types of clouds might we find forming in a stable atmosphere? Describe the characteristics of these clouds.

[ciecieme]

Answer to Question 1

As cumulus clouds grow, they shade the ground from the sun, which cuts off surface heating and upward convection. Without the continual supply of rising air, the cloud begins to erode as its droplets evaporate. As the cloud dissipates, surface heating begins again and regenerates another thermal, which becomes a new cumulus.

Answer to Question 2


We could expect to find status, cirrostratus, altostratus, or nimbostratus clouds to form in a stable atmosphere. Since air in a stable atmosphere strongly resists upward vertical motion, these clouds will tend to spread out horizontally if forced to rise. If clouds form in this rising air, they will also spread horizontally in relatively thin layers and usually have flat tops and bases.

[ENagel]

Correct answers!

[ciecieme]

Great! Please up vote