Satellite Meteorology

For Grade 7-12

4

Cloud Identification

Low Level Clouds - II

The Cumulus Cloud Activity

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. Note that 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?

This Satellite Meteorology Course was developed at the Cooperative Institute for Meteorological Satellite Studies (CIMSS) located within the Space Science and Engineering Center (SSEC) at the UW-Madison. Funding was provided by the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium (WSGC) and NOAA/NESDIS.