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{{Short description|Form of cumulus clouds}} |
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{{Infobox |
{{Infobox cloud |
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| name = Cumulus congestus |
| name = Cumulus congestus |
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| image location = Cumulus congestus cloud.jpg |
| image location = Cumulus congestus cloud.jpg |
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| image name = |
| image name = Cumulus congestus clouds looming over the horizon, as seen from [[Wagga Wagga]], [[New South Wales|NSW, Australia]] |
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| abbreviation = Cu con |
| abbreviation = Cu con |
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| symbol = |
| symbol = Clouds CL 2.svg |
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| genus= [[ |
| genus= [[cumulus cloud|Cumulus]] ("heaped") |
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| species= Congestus ( |
| species = Congestus ("piled up") |
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| variety = * Radiatuse |
| variety = * Radiatuse |
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| altitude_m = Up to 6,000 |
| altitude_m = Up to 6,000 |
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| altitude_ft = Up to 20,000 |
| altitude_ft = Up to 20,000 |
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| level = |
| level = vertical |
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| appearance = Low-altitude, vertical, taller than it is wide, fluffy heaps of clouds with cotton-like appearance. |
| appearance = Low-altitude, vertical, taller than it is wide, fluffy heaps of clouds with cotton-like appearance. |
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| precipitation |
| precipitation = [[Rain]], [[snow]], or [[graupel|snow pellets]].<ref name="AMS Glossary">{{cite web |url=https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Cumulus_congestus |title=Cumulus Congestus |website=Glossary of Meteorology |publisher=[[American Meteorological Society]] |access-date=2021-04-16}}</ref> |
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| thickness = |
| thickness = |
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| Ice content = |
| Ice content = |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Cumulus congestus |
'''Cumulus congestus''' or '''towering cumulus clouds''' are a [[cloud species|species]] of [[cumulus cloud|cumulus]] that can be based in the low- to middle-height ranges. They achieve considerable vertical development in areas of deep, moist [[atmospheric convection|convection]]. They are an intermediate stage between [[cumulus mediocris cloud|cumulus mediocris]] and [[cumulonimbus cloud|cumulonimbus]], sometimes producing [[shower (precipitation)|rainshowers]], snow, or [[ice pellets]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Learn About Cumulus Congestus Clouds |url=https://whatsthiscloud.com/cloud-species/congestus |publisher=whatsthiscloud.com |language=en-US |access-date=2021-03-22}}</ref> [[Precipitation]] that [[evaporation|evaporates]] before reaching the surface is [[virga]]. |
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== Description == |
== Description == |
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[[File:Cahokia 1.jpg|thumb|left|Cumulus congestus |
[[File:Cahokia 1.jpg|thumb|left|Cumulus congestus over [[Cahokia]] Mounds Museum, in [[Collinsville, Illinois]] ]] |
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Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of unstable |
Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of [[atmospheric instability|unstable]] [[air mass|regions]] of [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]] that are undergoing [[atmospheric convection|convection]]. They are often characterized by sharp outlines and great vertical development.<ref name="AMS Glossary" /> Since strong [[updraft]]s produce (and primarily compose) them, the clouds are typically taller than they are wide; [[cloud top]]s can reach {{cvt|6|km|mi ft|sigfig=2}},<ref>{{cite web |url=https://weather.gov/jetstream/life |title=Life Cycle of a Thunderstorm |website=JetStream - Online School for Weather |publisher=[[National Weather Service]] |access-date=2021-04-16}}</ref> or higher in the [[tropics]].<ref name="tropical">{{cite journal |title=Trimodal Characteristics of Tropical Convection |journal=[[Journal of Climate]] |volume=12|issue=8|pages=2397–2418|author1=Richard H. Johnson |author2=Thomas M. Rickenbach |author3=Steven A. Rutledge |author4=Paul E. Ciesielski |author5=Wayne H. Schubert |doi=10.1175/1520-0442(1999)012<2397:tcotc>2.0.co;2 |bibcode=1999JCli...12.2397J |year=1999 |citeseerx=10.1.1.406.1226}}</ref> |
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| ⚫ | Cumulus congestus clouds are formed by the development of cumulus mediocris generally, though they can also be formed from [[altocumulus castellanus cloud|altocumulus castellanus]] or [[stratocumulus castellanus cloud|stratocumulus castellanus]], which are forms of [[cumulus castellanus cloud|cumulus castellanus]].<ref name="AMS Glossary" /> The ''congestus'' species of cloud can only be found in the genus ''cumulus''<ref name="AMS Glossary"/> and is designated as ''towering cumulus'' (TCu) by the [[International Civil Aviation Organization]] (ICAO). |
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Congestus clouds are capable of producing severe [[turbulence]] and showers of moderate to heavy intensity. This species is classified as vertical or multi-[[etage|étage]] and is coded C<sub>L</sub>2 in the synop report. These clouds are usually too large and opaque to have any opacity or pattern-based varieties. Congestus and especially cumulonimbus are [[cumulonimbus and aviation|hazardous to aviation]]. |
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| ⚫ | An approaching [[weather front]] often brings mid-level clouds (e.g. [[altostratus cloud|altostratus]] or [[altocumulus cloud|altocumulus]]), which when expansive and dense, reduces insolation and infringes cumulus from reaching the congestus stage. Occasionally however, particularly if the air below the mid-level cloud is very warm or unstable, some of the cumuli may become congestus and the tops of them may rise above the mid level cloud layer, sometimes resulting in showers ahead of the main [[rainband]]. This is often a sign the approaching front contains at least a few cumulonimbi amongst the [[nimbostratus cloud|nimbostratus]] rain clouds, and therefore any rain may be accompanied by [[thunderstorm]]s.{{cn|date=May 2022}} |
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| ⚫ | Cumulus congestus clouds are formed by the development of cumulus mediocris generally, though they can also be formed from [[ |
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| ⚫ | Cumulus congestus will develop into [[cumulonimbus calvus]] under conditions of sufficient [[atmospheric instability|instability]]. This transformation can be seen by the presence of smooth, fibrous, or striated aspects assumed by the cloud's upper part.<ref name="Courtier">{{cite journal |last1=Courtier|first1=Benjamin M. |author2=T. H. M. Stein |author3=R. G. Harrison |author4=K. E. Hanley |author5=J. M. Wilkinson |title=Intensification of single cell storms prior to lightning onset |journal=[[Atmospheric Science Letters]] |volume=20 |issue=e873 |page=e873 |date=2019 |doi=10.1002/asl.873 |doi-access=free}}</ref> While all congestus produce showers, this development could produce heavy [[precipitation]].<ref name="AMS Glossary"/> |
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| ⚫ | An approaching [[weather front]] often brings mid |
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A [[flammagenitus cloud]], or pyrocumulus, (FgCu or FgCu con) is a rapidly growing convective cloud associated with [[volcanic eruption]]s and large-scale fires (typically [[wildfire]]s). Pyrocumulus congestus may thus form under those special circumstances that can also cause severe turbulence. |
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| ⚫ | Cumulus congestus will |
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Cumulus congestus can also be associated with [[Waterspout#Non-tornadic|fair weather waterspouts]] forming from rotation at the open water surface being stretched and tightened under their [[vertical draft|updraft]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/waterspout.html |title=What is a waterspout? |website=[[National Ocean Service]] |publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]] |access-date=2021-04-15}}</ref> [[Landspout]]s most often form under congestus, as well. Both of these non-[[mesocyclone]] associated [[tornado]]es typically dissipate when a more pronounced [[precipitation shaft]] forms and the [[downdraft]] cuts off this process. In highly [[wind shear|sheared]] environments or within the [[flanking line (meteorology)|flanking line]] of a [[supercell]], congestus can rotate and, on rare occasions, produce mesocyclonic-type tornadoes, with waterspouts and landspouts emanating from misocyclones (a related but distinct process). |
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==Turkey tower == |
==Turkey tower == |
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[[Image:Turkey tower (Cumulus congestus).jpg|thumb|300px|right|An example of a Turkey tower in the distance]] |
[[Image:Turkey tower (Cumulus congestus).jpg|thumb|300px|right|An example of a Turkey tower in the distance]] |
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'''Turkey tower''' is a [[slang term]] for a narrow, individual towering cloud from a small cumulus cloud which develops and suddenly falls apart.<ref>{{cite web | title = Weather Glossary - T | work = The Weather Company | publisher = Weatherzone | url = http://www.weatherzone.com.au/help/glossary.jsp?l=t#turkey%20tower | access-date = 2009-02-21}}</ref> Sudden development of turkey towers could signify the breaking or weakening of a [[capping inversion]] |
'''Turkey tower''' is a [[slang term]] for a narrow, tall, individual towering cloud from a small cumulus cloud which develops and suddenly falls apart.<ref>{{cite web | title = Weather Glossary - T | work = The Weather Company | publisher = Weatherzone | url = http://www.weatherzone.com.au/help/glossary.jsp?l=t#turkey%20tower | access-date = 2009-02-21}}</ref> Sudden development of turkey towers could signify the breaking or weakening of a [[capping inversion]],<ref>{{cite web | title = National Weather Service Glossary | work = National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration | publisher = Central Region Headquarters | url = http://www.crh.noaa.gov/glossary.php?letter=t | access-date = 2009-02-21}}</ref> and an area where these consistently form is an "agitated area", a term that applies to congestus generally. |
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{{Commons category|Cumulus congestus clouds}} |
{{Commons category|Cumulus congestus clouds}} |
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== See also == |
== See also == |
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* [[Atmospheric thermodynamics]] |
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* [[Altocumulus castellanus cloud]] |
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* [[Convective instability]] |
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* [[Cumulus castellanus cloud]] |
* [[Cumulus castellanus cloud]] |
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* [[Pileus (meteorology)|Pileus]] |
* [[Pileus (meteorology)|Pileus]] |
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Cumulus Castellanus Cloud}} |
{{DEFAULTSORT:Cumulus Castellanus Cloud}} |
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[[Category:Cumulus]] |
[[Category:Cumulus]] |
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[[Category:Gliding technology]] |
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Latest revision as of 21:39, 19 May 2024
| Cumulus congestus | |
|---|---|
 Cumulus congestus clouds looming over the horizon, as seen from Wagga Wagga, NSW, Australia | |
| Abbreviation | Cu con |
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Cumulus ("heaped") |
| Species | Congestus ("piled up") |
| Variety |
|
| Altitude | Up to 6,000 m (Up to 20,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family D (Vertically developed) |
| Appearance | Low-altitude, vertical, taller than it is wide, fluffy heaps of clouds with cotton-like appearance. |
| Precipitation | Rain, snow, or snow pellets.[1] |
Cumulus congestus or towering cumulus clouds are a species of cumulus that can be based in the low- to middle-height ranges. They achieve considerable vertical development in areas of deep, moist convection. They are an intermediate stage between cumulus mediocris and cumulonimbus, sometimes producing rainshowers, snow, or ice pellets.[2] Precipitation that evaporates before reaching the surface is virga.
Description
[edit]
Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of unstable regions of atmosphere that are undergoing convection. They are often characterized by sharp outlines and great vertical development.[1] Since strong updrafts produce (and primarily compose) them, the clouds are typically taller than they are wide; cloud tops can reach 6 km (3.7 mi; 20,000 ft),[3] or higher in the tropics.[4]
Cumulus congestus clouds are formed by the development of cumulus mediocris generally, though they can also be formed from altocumulus castellanus or stratocumulus castellanus, which are forms of cumulus castellanus.[1] The congestus species of cloud can only be found in the genus cumulus[1] and is designated as towering cumulus (TCu) by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
Congestus clouds are capable of producing severe turbulence and showers of moderate to heavy intensity. This species is classified as vertical or multi-étage and is coded CL2 in the synop report. These clouds are usually too large and opaque to have any opacity or pattern-based varieties. Congestus and especially cumulonimbus are hazardous to aviation.
An approaching weather front often brings mid-level clouds (e.g. altostratus or altocumulus), which when expansive and dense, reduces insolation and infringes cumulus from reaching the congestus stage. Occasionally however, particularly if the air below the mid-level cloud is very warm or unstable, some of the cumuli may become congestus and the tops of them may rise above the mid level cloud layer, sometimes resulting in showers ahead of the main rainband. This is often a sign the approaching front contains at least a few cumulonimbi amongst the nimbostratus rain clouds, and therefore any rain may be accompanied by thunderstorms.[citation needed]
Cumulus congestus will develop 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.[5] While all congestus produce showers, this development could produce heavy precipitation.[1]
A flammagenitus cloud, or pyrocumulus, (FgCu or FgCu con) is a rapidly growing convective cloud associated with volcanic eruptions and large-scale fires (typically wildfires). Pyrocumulus congestus may thus form under those special circumstances that can also cause severe turbulence.
Cumulus congestus can also be associated with fair weather waterspouts forming from rotation at the open water surface being stretched and tightened under their updraft.[6] Landspouts most often form under congestus, as well. Both of these non-mesocyclone associated tornadoes typically dissipate when a more pronounced precipitation shaft forms and the downdraft cuts off this process. In highly sheared environments or within the flanking line of a supercell, congestus can rotate and, on rare occasions, produce mesocyclonic-type tornadoes, with waterspouts and landspouts emanating from misocyclones (a related but distinct process).
Turkey tower
[edit].jpg)
Turkey tower is a slang term for a narrow, tall, individual towering cloud from a small cumulus cloud which develops and suddenly falls apart.[7] Sudden development of turkey towers could signify the breaking or weakening of a capping inversion,[8] and an area where these consistently form is an "agitated area", a term that applies to congestus generally.
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Cumulus congestus clouds.
See also
[edit]Bibliography
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e "Cumulus Congestus". Glossary of Meteorology. American Meteorological Society. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
- ^ "Learn About Cumulus Congestus Clouds". whatsthiscloud.com. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ "Life Cycle of a Thunderstorm". JetStream - Online School for Weather. National Weather Service. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
- ^ Richard H. Johnson; Thomas M. Rickenbach; Steven A. Rutledge; Paul E. Ciesielski; Wayne H. Schubert (1999). "Trimodal Characteristics of Tropical Convection". Journal of Climate. 12 (8): 2397–2418. Bibcode:1999JCli...12.2397J. CiteSeerX 10.1.1.406.1226. doi:10.1175/1520-0442(1999)012<2397:tcotc>2.0.co;2.
- ^ Courtier, Benjamin M.; T. H. M. Stein; R. G. Harrison; K. E. Hanley; J. M. Wilkinson (2019). "Intensification of single cell storms prior to lightning onset". Atmospheric Science Letters. 20 (e873): e873. doi:10.1002/asl.873.
- ^ "What is a waterspout?". National Ocean Service. NOAA. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
- ^ "Weather Glossary - T". The Weather Company. Weatherzone. Retrieved 2009-02-21.
- ^ "National Weather Service Glossary". National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Central Region Headquarters. Retrieved 2009-02-21.