Author Question: Explain why cumulus clouds are often observed to form, gradually disappear, and then reform in the ... (Read 74 times)

ENagel

  • Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 540
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

  • Sr. Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 331
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.



Related Topics

Need homework help now?

Ask unlimited questions for free

Ask a Question


 

Did you know?

There are over 65,000 known species of protozoa. About 10,000 species are parasitic.

Did you know?

The first oral chemotherapy drug for colon cancer was approved by FDA in 2001.

Did you know?

Never take aspirin without food because it is likely to irritate your stomach. Never give aspirin to children under age 12. Overdoses of aspirin have the potential to cause deafness.

Did you know?

Amphetamine poisoning can cause intravascular coagulation, circulatory collapse, rhabdomyolysis, ischemic colitis, acute psychosis, hyperthermia, respiratory distress syndrome, and pericarditis.

Did you know?

The heart is located in the center of the chest, with part of it tipped slightly so that it taps against the left side of the chest.

For a complete list of videos, visit our video library