cumulus
Quick Summary
Cumulus clouds are a type of puffy, white cloud with a flat base, often described as looking like heaps or mountains piled up. They are a common sight in fair weather but can develop into storm clouds.12
Cloud formation, a part of the water cycle, begins when moist air rises and cools to its dew point. At this point, water vapor condenses onto tiny particles in the air, called condensation nuclei, forming cloud droplets. Cumulus clouds typically form below 2 km (1 mile) and are composed of water droplets. While often associated with fair weather, their development can lead to precipitation.23
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