At which altitude does a cumulus cloud typically begin to develop its base?
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A
The height at which the temperature of the rising air reaches the environmental dew point.
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B
The height at which the temperature of the rising air reaches its dew point.
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C
The height at which the rising air reaches the top of an inversion layer.
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D
The height at which the relative humidity of the rising air reaches 0%.
Refer to figure.
Cumulus clouds develop when rising air cools enough to reach its dew point, the temperature at which the air becomes saturated and condensation begins, forming the cloud base. The approximate height of this base can be estimated using the formula:
Cloud base (ft) = (Temperature – Dew Point) × 400
In colder seasons like winter, temperatures are typically closer to the dew point, meaning the air doesn't need to rise or cool much before saturation occurs. As a result, cloud bases tend to form at lower altitudes in winter compared to summer, when the temperature/dew point spread is usually wider.
Reminder: The dew point is the temperature at which air becomes fully saturated and condensation can occur.
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