Cumulus humilis cloud
| Cumulus humilis clouds | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Abbreviation | Cu hum |
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Cumulus (heap) |
| Species | humilis (humble) |
| Variety |
|
| Altitude | 200-2000 m (656–7,000 ft) |
Snow pellets | |
Cumulus humilis are
They generally form at lower altitudes (500–3000 m (1,500–10,000 ft)), but in hot countries or over mountainous terrain these clouds can occur at an altitude of up to 6,000 m (20,000 ft). They show no significant vertical development, indicating that the temperature in the atmosphere above them either drops off very slowly or not at all with altitude; that is, the environmental lapse rate is small or negative. Cumulus humilis clouds often have little variance in their depths due to their constrained vertical development.[2] Cumulus humilis may be accompanied by other cloud types.
Air below the cloud base can be quite turbulent due to the thermals that formed the clouds, giving occupants of light aircraft an uncomfortable ride.[3] To avoid turbulence where such clouds are present, pilots may climb above the cloud tops. However, glider pilots actively seek out the rising air to gain altitude.
These clouds may later metamorphose into cumulus mediocris and eventually cumulus congestus clouds when convection is intense enough,[4] though the presence of these types of clouds usually indicates fair weather.[1]
Forecasting
Morning cumulus humilis clouds are signs of an unstable atmosphere.
Cumulus humilis are sometimes seen beneath
When cumulus humilis appear in a clear sky, they are an indicator of pleasant weather for the next several hours.
Formation
Cumulus humilis clouds are formed by rising warm air or
See also
- Cumulus mediocris
- Atmospheric convection
References
- ^ a b "Windows2Universe".
- ^ "Cumulus Humilis". Earthdata. NASA. Retrieved 2023-01-04.
- ^ "NOAA Turbulence Guide". Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- ^ "Cumulus mediocris". Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- ^ "Cumulus humilis". Retrieved 2018-06-03.
- ^ "Cumulus humilis". Retrieved 2014-11-04.
External links
