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cumulonimbus
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cloud: cumulonimbus lightning: cloud-to-ground electrical charge distribution in a thunderstorm Diagram showing the layers of Earth's atmosphere from the surface upward: troposphere, stratosphere, mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, with labeled altitudes, weather balloons, airplanes, clouds, auroras, meteors, and satellites for scale. Illustration showing ten cloud types at different altitudes above the ground: cirrus, cirrocumulus, and cirrostratus at high elevations; altocumulus and altostratus at mid-levels; nimbostratus, stratocumulus, stratus, cumulus, and the towering cumulonimbus clouds at lower to very high elevations, with a plane for scale.
Explore what happens when cold and warm air masses collide
Learn about the four main types of clouds formed at different altitudes
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cumulonimbus

meteorology
Also known as: thundercloud, thunderhead
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Quick Summary

cloud: cumulonimbus
cloud: cumulonimbus Cumulonimbus clouds above a farm in Montana.

Cumulonimbus clouds are a type of cloud that forms within the troposphere, the lowest layer of Earth's atmosphere where weather primarily occurs. These clouds are characterized by their vertical development, often appearing as towering domes or towers with an anvil-shaped top.123

The formation of cumulonimbus clouds is driven by atmospheric instability, where warm, moist air rises rapidly. As this air ascends, it cools, causing water vapor to condense and release latent heat, which further fuels the upward motion. This process creates strong updrafts that can carry air to great heights.2

Cumulonimbus clouds are associated with thunderstorms and are known to produce significant precipitation, lightning, and thunder. They develop from smaller cumulus clouds that grow and merge, extending throughout much of the troposphere.21

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.
3 Britannica Sources
  1. thunderstorm - Vertical atmospheric motion
  2. cumulonimbus
  3. atmosphere - Cloud formation within the troposphere

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