These clouds have a flat base and a dense, mound shaped top that resembles a large cauliflower Where the sun hits these clouds they are a brilliant white
A dense, white, fluffy, flat-based cloud with a multiple rounded top and a well-defined outline, usually formed by the ascent of thermally unstable air masses
One of the three basic cloud forms (the others are cirrus and stratus) It is also one of the two low cloud types A cloud that develops in a vertical direction from the base (bottom) up They have flat bases and dome- or cauliflower-shaped upper surfaces The base of the cloud is often no more than 3,000 feet above the ground, but the top often varies in height Small, separate cumulus are associated with fair weather (cumulus humilis) With additional heating from the earth's surface, they can grow vertically throughout the day The top of such a cloud can easily reach 20,000 or more into the troposphere Under certain atmospheric conditions, these clouds can develop into larger clouds, known as towering cumulus (cumulus congestus), and may produce a rain shower Further development may create a cumulonimbus
Detached clouds, generally dense and with sharp outlines, showing vertical development in the form of domes, mounds, or towers Tops normally are rounded while bases are more horizontal See Cb, towering cumulus
the family of hill-shaped clouds ranging from small cumulus humilis to large cumulonimbus The term on its own usually denotes cumulus humilis or only slightly larger
A principal, low cloud-type in the form of individual cauliflower-like cells of sharp non-fibrous outline and less vertical development than cumulonimbus
a cloud of a class characterized by dense individual elements in the form of puffs, mounds or towers, with flat bases and tops that often resemble cauliflower They are found at a lower altitude than altocumulus, usually below 8000 ft (2400 m)
A principal cloud type in the form of individual, detached elements which are generally dense, low-level with vertical development and possess sharp nonfibrous outlines These elements develop vertically, appearing as rising mounds, domes, or towers, the upper parts of which often resemble a cauliflower The sunlit parts of these clouds are mostly brilliant white; their bases are relatively dark and nearly horizontal Near the horizon, the vertical development of cumulus often causes the individual clouds to appear to be merged If precipitation occurs, it is usually of a showery nature