Cumulus congestus cloud: Difference between revisions
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| altitude_ft = Up to 20,000 |
| altitude_ft = Up to 20,000 |
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| appearance = Dense with sharp outlines, developing vertically |
| appearance = Dense with sharp outlines, developing vertically |
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| precipitation = Showers possibly heavy.<ref name="AMS Glossary">{{cite web|url=https://glossary.ametsoc.org/wiki/Cumulus_congestus|title=Cumulus congestus|work=Glossary of Meteorology|publisher=American Meteorological Society|access-date=2021-04-16}}</ref> |
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| precipitation = Showers possibly heavy. |
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'''Cumulus congestus clouds''', also known as '''towering cumulus''', are a form of [[cumulus cloud]] that can be based in the low or 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]], producing showers of snow, rain or [[ice pellets]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Learn About Cumulus Congestus Clouds|url=https://whatsthiscloud.com/cloud-species/congestus/|access-date=2021-03-22|website=whatsthiscloud|language=en-US}}</ref> |
'''Cumulus congestus clouds''', also known as '''towering cumulus''', are a form of [[cumulus cloud]] that can be based in the low or 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]], producing showers of snow, rain or [[ice pellets]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=Learn About Cumulus Congestus Clouds|url=https://whatsthiscloud.com/cloud-species/congestus/|access-date=2021-03-22|website=whatsthiscloud|language=en-US}}</ref> |
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== Description == |
== Description == |
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[[File:Cahokia 1.jpg|thumb|left|Cumulus congestus cloud over [[Cahokia|Cahokia Mounds Museum]], [[Collinsville, Illinois]] ]] |
[[File:Cahokia 1.jpg|thumb|left|Cumulus congestus cloud over [[Cahokia|Cahokia Mounds Museum]], [[Collinsville, Illinois]] ]] |
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Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of unstable areas of the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]] which are undergoing [[convection]]. They are often characterized by sharp outlines and great vertical development.<ref name="AMS Glossary" /> Because they are produced by (and primarily composed of) strong [[updraft]]s, they are typically taller than they are wide, and cloud tops can reach {{convert|6|km|ft|sigfig=2}},<ref>''See'' {{cite web|url= |
Cumulus congestus clouds are characteristic of unstable areas of the [[Earth's atmosphere|atmosphere]] which are undergoing [[convection]]. They are often characterized by sharp outlines and great vertical development.<ref name="AMS Glossary" /> Because they are produced by (and primarily composed of) strong [[updraft]]s, they are typically taller than they are wide, and cloud tops can reach {{convert|6|km|ft|sigfig=2}},<ref>''See'' {{cite web|url=https://www.weather.gov/jetstream/life|title=Life Cycle of a Thunderstorm|work=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 cloud|stratocumulus]] castellanus as well.<ref name="AMS Glossary" /> The ''congestus'' species of cloud can only be found in the genus ''cumulus''<ref name="AMS Glossary" |
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 cloud|stratocumulus]] castellanus as well.<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. 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 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. |
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A [[flammagenitus cloud]], or pyrocumulus, (no official abbreviation) is a free convective cloud associated with volcanic eruptions and large-scale fires. Pyrocumulus congestus may form under special circumstances that can also cause severe turbulence. Cumulus congestus can also be associated with [[Waterspout#Non-tornadic|fair weather waterspouts]] forming from rotation at the open water surface being stretched under their [[Vertical draft|updraft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/waterspout.html|title=What is a waterspout?|work=[[National Ocean Service]]|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]|access-date=2021-04-15}}</ref> |
A [[flammagenitus cloud]], or pyrocumulus, (no official abbreviation) is a free convective cloud associated with volcanic eruptions and large-scale fires. Pyrocumulus congestus may form under special circumstances that can also cause severe turbulence. Cumulus congestus can also be associated with [[Waterspout#Non-tornadic|fair weather waterspouts]] forming from rotation at the open water surface being stretched under their [[Vertical draft|updraft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/facts/waterspout.html|title=What is a waterspout?|work=[[National Ocean Service]]|publisher=[[National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration|NOAA]]|access-date=2021-04-15}}</ref> |
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Cumulus congestus will mature 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 |
Cumulus congestus will mature 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 |last = Courtier |first = 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 = Atmos Sci Lett |volume = 20|issue = e873 |pages = e873|date = 2019 |doi = 10.1002/asl.873 |doi-access = free }}</ref> While all congestus produce showers, this development could produce heavy [[precipitation (meteorology)|precipitation]].<ref name="AMS Glossary"/> |
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An approaching [[weather front]] often brings mid level clouds such as [[Altostratus cloud|altostratus]] or [[Altocumulus cloud|altocumulus]] which usually stop any cumulus from reaching the congestus stage by reducing the Sun's heat or acting as a layer of stable air through which the cumulus cannot rise through. 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. |
An approaching [[weather front]] often brings mid level clouds such as [[Altostratus cloud|altostratus]] or [[Altocumulus cloud|altocumulus]] which usually stop any cumulus from reaching the congestus stage by reducing the Sun's heat or acting as a layer of stable air through which the cumulus cannot rise through. 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. |
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Revision as of 15:41, 16 April 2021
| Cumulus congestus cloud | |
|---|---|
 An example of cumulus congestus clouds visible in the distance. | |
| Abbreviation | TCu |
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Cumulus (heaped) |
| Species | congestus |
| Altitude | Up to 6,000 m (Up to 20,000 ft) |
| Appearance | Dense with sharp outlines, developing vertically |
| Precipitation | Showers possibly heavy.[1] |
Cumulus congestus clouds, also known as towering cumulus, are a form of cumulus cloud that can be based in the low or middle height ranges. They achieve considerable vertical development in areas of deep, moist convection. They are an intermediate stage between cumulus mediocris and cumulonimbus, producing showers of snow, rain or ice pellets.[2]
Description
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.[1] Because they are produced by (and primarily composed of) strong updrafts, they are typically taller than they are wide, and cloud tops can reach 6 kilometres (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 as well.[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. 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.
A flammagenitus cloud, or pyrocumulus, (no official abbreviation) is a free convective cloud associated with volcanic eruptions and large-scale fires. Pyrocumulus congestus may form under 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 under their updraft.[5]
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.[6] While all congestus produce showers, this development could produce heavy precipitation.[1]
An approaching weather front often brings mid level clouds such as altostratus or altocumulus which usually stop any cumulus from reaching the congestus stage by reducing the Sun's heat or acting as a layer of stable air through which the cumulus cannot rise through. 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.
Turkey tower
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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.[7] Sudden development of turkey towers could signify the breaking or weakening of a capping inversion.[8]
See also
Bibliography
References
- ^ a b c d e "Cumulus congestus". Glossary of Meteorology. American Meteorological Society. Retrieved 2021-04-16.
- ^ "Learn About Cumulus Congestus Clouds". whatsthiscloud. Retrieved 2021-03-22.
- ^ See "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.
- ^ "What is a waterspout?". National Ocean Service. NOAA. Retrieved 2021-04-15.
- ^ 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". Atmos Sci Lett. 20 (e873): e873. doi:10.1002/asl.873.
- ^ "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.