(meteorology) A strongly sprouting cumulus species with generally sharp outline and sometimes a great vertical development, and with cauliflower or tower aspect.
Cumulus congestus cloud
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(′kyü·myə·ləs kən′jes·təs ′klau̇d)
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| Cumulus congestus cloud | |
|---|---|
 A example of cumulus congestus clouds viewed from the distance. |
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| Abbreviation | TCu |
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Cumulus (heaped) |
| Species | congestus |
| Altitude | up to 6,000 m (up to 20,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family D (Vertically developed) |
| Appearance | sharp outlines and great vertical development |
| Precipitation cloud? | frequently,[1] but not always[2] |
Cumulus congestus clouds (also towering cumulus) are characteristic of unstable areas of the atmosphere which are undergoing convection. They are often characterized by sharp outlines and great vertical development.[3] Because cumulus congestus is produced by strong updrafts, it is typically taller than it is wide, and cloud tops can reach 6 kilometres (20,000 ft),[4] or higher in the tropics.[1] 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.[3] The congestus species of cloud can only be found in the genus cumulus.[3]
Cumulus congestus will mature into cumulonimbus 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.
Sources
Footnotes
- ^ a b Richard H. Johnson, Thomas M. Rickenbach, Steven A. Rutledge, Paul E. Ciesielski, and Wayne H. Schubert. "Trimodal Characteristics of Tropical Convection". Journal of Climate (American Meteorological Society).
- ^ See "Weather Photo Gallery". University of Utah Department of Meteorology. http://www.met.utah.edu/galleries/home_page_images/cu_cong02.JPG/photo_view.
- ^ a b c "Glossary of Meteorology". American Meteorological Society. http://amsglossary.allenpress.com/glossary/search?id=cumulus-congestus1.
- ^ See "Life Cycle of a Thunderstorm". JetStream - Online School for Weather. National Weather Service. http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/tstorms/life.htm.
Bibliography
See also
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