Cumulus Clouds



Cumulus clouds are one of the three basic cloud types. They are low clouds that develop in a vertical direction, beginning with the base. The base of the cloud is often no more  than 3,000 feet above the ground, but the top often varies in height. Small, separate cumulus clouds usually mean fair weather, but with additional heating from the earth's surface, they can grow vertically throughout the day. The top of such a cloud can easily reach 20,000 or more into the troposphere. These clouds can develop into larger clouds, which are called towering cumulus. Towering cumulus may produce rain showers. Further development of towering cumulus may create a cumulonimbus and thunderstorms.
Concept Mapping Toolkit
Insitute for Human and Machine Cognition
The University of West Florida