Cumulus clouds over ruins in Mexico, showing the puffy shape and dense occurrence typical of the clouds.
Towering cumulus with a rain-free base.
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- Cumulus can also refer to Cumulus Media (also known as Cumulus Broadcasting)
A cumulus cloud is a cloud belonging to 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 formed in the troposphere at a lower altitude than altocumulus, usually below 8000 feet (2400 metres). "Cumulus" is Latin for "heap", related to "accumulation".
They have often been described as cauliflower-like in structure. They occur at heights of 500-6000 meters in elevation from the earth and most often occur scattered or in dense heaped packs. They are formed due to buoyant upward convection during warm, anti-cyclonic summer weather.
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Last updated: 05-21-2005 10:24:41