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The Cumulus Cloud Applet

Clouds

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Created by UW-Madison, 2002

To determine the height of the base of any cumulus cloud that might form due to convection, simply adjust the surface temperature and dew point sliders.
The cloud will not form below 1,000 feet or above 10,100 feet.

  Activity Questions

1. What is the height of the base of a cumulus cloud with surface temperature 70 degrees Fahrenheit and dewpoint 48 degrees F?

2. What is the height of the base of a cumulus cloud with surface temperature 95 degrees Fahrenheit and dewpoint 75 degrees F?

3. What is the height of the base of a cumulus cloud with surface temperature 1 degree Fahrenheit and dewpoint -4 degrees Fahrenheit?

4. What happens to the base of a cumulus cloud when the surface temperature is held constant and the dewpoint increases?

5. What happens to the base of a cumulus cloud when the surface temperature and dewpoint equal each other?

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