Chapter 31, Problem 14TE

To determine

The reason for not forming cumulus clouds over cool water.

Answer to Problem 14TE

The cumulus clouds cannot form over cold water because, in that cloud, there is a cycle of descending the cooler air and rising hot air.

Explanation of Solution

Cumulus clouds are the clouds of the flat base and fluffy structure. When the temperature of the air decreases close to the saturation temperature of the air, then the condensing moisture forms the cumulus cloud.

The air inside the cumulus cloud forms a cycle of descending cooler air and rising warm air because of the density difference. The air present above the cool water is cooler. So, this air can’t rise and condense, so they cannot form over cold water.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the cumulus clouds cannot form over cold water because, in that cloud, there is a cycle of descending the cooler air and rising hot air.