Knowra Cumulus mediocris Cumulus mediocris Cumulus mediocris is a moderate-sized cumulus cloud with distinct vertical development, usually producing little or no precipitation. It is taller than cumulus humilis but does not reach the towering form of cumulus congestus.
Atmospheric convection : The vertical movement of air caused by buoyancy differences, transporting heat and moisture through the atmosphere. Rising warm air builds the cloud’s distinct vertical form.
Cumulus humilis : A small, shallow cumulus cloud with little vertical development, commonly called fair-weather cumulus. It is the smaller, flatter cumulus stage below mediocris.
Cloud observation : The systematic recording of cloud type, amount, height, and other visible properties. Recognizing mediocris depends on observing its outline and vertical extent.
Cumulus fractus : A ragged, fragmented cumulus cloud, often appearing as a short-lived cloud fragment. Its broken outline contrasts with mediocris’s coherent, rounded turrets.
Convective condensation level : The height at which a rising air parcel cooled at the dry adiabatic rate becomes saturated and begins forming cloud. It marks the approximate base where surface-heated air can form cumulus.
Cumulus congestus : A strongly developed cumulus cloud with towering vertical growth, often producing showers. Its towering form marks the next major step beyond mediocris.
Cloud base : The lowest visible level of a cloud, usually where rising air first becomes saturated. Its height helps characterize the conditions under which the cumulus formed.
Altocumulus castellanus : An altocumulus cloud with turret-like upper protuberances, signaling instability at mid-levels. Its turrets resemble growing cumulus but occur at a higher cloud level.
Atmospheric stability : The atmosphere’s resistance or tendency to support vertical displacement of air parcels. Stability limits or permits the cloud’s vertical development.
Cumulonimbus : A deep convective cloud associated with thunderstorms, heavy precipitation, and sometimes hail or tornadoes. Further growth from congestus can produce this storm cloud.
Show all 20