Chapter 31, Problem 15RQ

To determine

The role of convectional lifting in the formation of cumulus clouds.

Answer to Problem 15RQ

The convectional lifting allows the air to move upwards in the atmosphere due to heating. The air cools when it lifts upward, water vapors present in it condenses to produce the cumulus clouds.

Explanation of Solution

The clouds can be formed due to the convectional lifting and advection lifting process. The convection is lifting deals with the heating and then rising of air up in the atmosphere, while advection deals with the movement of air in the horizontal direction that results in warmer air to lift over the colder air.

Cumulus clouds are formed due to the convectional lifting of air in the atmosphere. The air lifts when it is heated due to the sun rays falling over it. When it rises, it cools with height. If the temperature reaches the dew point temperature, the water vapor condenses and form clouds.

These clouds form the unstable atmospheres and if the formation of these clouds continues and the condition remains the same, they form cumulonimbus clouds.

Conclusion:

Therefore, the convectional lifting allows the air to move upwards in the atmosphere due to heating. The air cools when it lifts upward, water vapors present in it condenses to produce the cumulus clouds.