A group of cumulus congestus clouds viewed from midway from the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
Altitude
Up to 5,000 metres (15,000 ft)
Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of unstable areas of the atmosphere which are undergoing convection. They are often characterized by sharp outlines and great vertical development. Because cumulus congestus is produced by strong updrafts, it is typically taller than it is wide, and cloud tops can reach 5,000 metres (15,000 ft). Cumulus congestus clouds are formed by the development of cumulus mediocris generally, though they can also be formed from altocumulus castellanus or stratocumulus castellanus as well. Image File history File links Kinabalu-silhouette-cloud. ... Mount Kinabalu (Malay: Gunung Kinabalu) is a prominent mountain in South East Asia. ... Layers of Atmosphere (NOAA) Air redirects here. ... Cumulus mediocris (from the Latin for moderate) is a cloud form of the cumulus family, slightly larger in vertical development than Cumulus humilis. ... Altocumulus Castellanus is a family B type cloud. ...
Cumulus congestus will mature into cumulus calvus under conditions of sufficient instability. This transformation can be seen by the presence of smooth, fibrous, or striated aspects assumed by the cloud's upper part. This cloud type produces precipitation, often in abundance. The congestus species of cloud can only be found in the genus cumulus. Cumulonimbus calvus is an moderately tall cumulonimbus cloud which is capable of precipitation, but has not yet reached the height where it forms into a cumulonimbus incus (anvil-top). ...
Cumulus castellanus (from L castellanus, castle) is a type of cumulus cloud that is distinctive because it displays multiple towers arising from its top, indicating significant vertical air movement. ... Cumulonimbus cloud in central Oklahoma. ...
External links
American Meteorological Society - Glossary of Meteorology
A cumuluscloud (Cu) is a cloud belonging to a class characterized by puffs, mounds or towers, with flat bases and tops that often resemble cauliflower.
For this reason, cumulusclouds are useful to glider pilots seeking to stay aloft for long periods.
Cumulusclouds often form in anti-cyclonic weather, but sometimes the descending air in the anticyclone produces an inversion layer which prevents the air rising to a height where its moisture can condense.
A group of cumuluscongestusclouds viewed from midway from the summit of Mount Kinabalu.
Cumuluscongestusclouds are characteristic of unstable areas of the atmosphere which are undergoing convection.
Cumuluscongestusclouds are formed by the development of cumulus mediocris generally, though they can also be formed from altocumulus castellanus or stratocumulus castellanus as well.