Table of Contents
- 1 How high can a cloud form?
- 2 Why do cumulonimbus clouds build up high into the atmosphere?
- 3 How high are altostratus clouds?
- 4 What level is cumulonimbus clouds?
- 5 How tall is the base of the cumulonimbus cloud?
- 6 Why is a cumulonimbus cloud called an anvil?
- 7 How long does it take for a cumulonimbus cloud to dissipate?
How high can a cloud form?
High-level clouds occur above about 20,000 feet and are given the prefix “cirro.” Due to cold tropospheric temperatures at these levels, the clouds primarily are composed of ice crystals, and often appear thin, streaky, and white (although a low sun angle, e.g., near sunset, can create an array of color on the clouds).
Why do cumulonimbus clouds build up high into the atmosphere?
When warm, moist air moves upward in an updraft, puffy cumulus clouds may form in the atmosphere. The moisture in the air condenses into water droplets as it rises. The cloud will continue to grow as long as warm air from below continues to rise.
What is the average cloud height?
At the upper reaches of the troposphere you’ll find high clouds, which, depending on geographic location, occur between roughly 10,000 and 60,000 feet. Below that is the home of mid-level clouds, which generally occur between 6,000 and 25,000 feet.
How high are altostratus clouds?
Altostratus cloud | |
---|---|
Variety | Duplicatus Opacus Radiatus Translucidus Undulatus |
Altitude | 2,000–7,000 m (7,000–23,000 ft) |
Classification | Family B (Medium-level) |
Appearance | Featureless, gray layer cloud full of vapor; capable of masking the sun |
What level is cumulonimbus clouds?
The cumulonimbus base may extend several kilometres across and occupy low to middle altitudes – formed at altitude from approximately 200 to 4,000 m (700 to 10,000 ft). Peaks typically reach to as much as 12,000 m (39,000 ft), with extreme instances as high as 21,000 m (69,000 ft) or more.
Do clouds touch Burj Khalifa?
More… Mr Lauen, 32, said: ‘This is Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world in the heart of Downtown Dubai, surrounded by clouds and heavy white fog. ‘It is a natural spectacle that only presents itself to the very early riser able to admire the scenery from a high enough location, above the clouds.
How tall is the base of the cumulonimbus cloud?
The cumulonimbus base may extend several miles across and occupy low to middle altitudes – formed at altitude from approximately 200 to 4,000 m (700 to 10,000 ft). Peaks typically reach to as much as 12,000 m (39,000 ft), with extreme instances as high as 21,000 m (69,000 ft) or more.
Why is a cumulonimbus cloud called an anvil?
A cumulonimbus cloud can grow more than eleven miles high into the sky. The top of the cloud sometimes gets blown by strong winds and has a flat top, like a table. That flat top is called an anvil, because it looks like the flat metal block called an anvil that’s used to hammer metal.
What does the word cumulonimbus mean in Latin?
The word cumulonimbus is formed from two words. Cumulus means ‘pile’ in Latin, and nimbus means ‘rain cloud.’ These describe a cumulonimbus cloud perfectly, because it grows up vertically like a billowy pile, and these clouds usually bring rain or other wet weather.
How long does it take for a cumulonimbus cloud to dissipate?
Most cumulonimbus clouds will dump their contents in around 20 minutes, and then begin to dissipate, but that dramatic downpour can often cause damage and flash-flooding. Furthermore, some cumulonimbus clouds can form a supercell during the mature stage, caused by a consistent and massive rotating updraft.