Which cloud type is cotton-ball-like with sharp outlines?

Which cloud type is cotton-ball-like with sharp outlines?

• A. Cirrus
• B. Stratus
• C. Cumulus
• D. Cirrostratus

Answer: (C)

Cotton-ball-like clouds with sharp, well-defined edges are cumulus clouds. They form when warm air rises, cools, and condenses into puffy, rounded masses with a distinct, sharp outline and a relatively flat base. This classic puffy appearance signals convection at lower to mid levels of the atmosphere. In contrast, cirrus clouds are high, wispy ice-crystal strands; stratus form as broad, gray, layered sheets; and cirrostratus are thin, veil-like high-altitude layers. Cumulus are the unmistakable “puffy clouds” you’d expect on a fair-weather day, though they can grow into bigger storm clouds if they develop vertical height.

Cotton-ball-like clouds with sharp, well-defined edges are cumulus clouds. They form when warm air rises, cools, and condenses into puffy, rounded masses with a distinct, sharp outline and a relatively flat base. This classic puffy appearance signals convection at lower to mid levels of the atmosphere. In contrast, cirrus clouds are high, wispy ice-crystal strands; stratus form as broad, gray, layered sheets; and cirrostratus are thin, veil-like high-altitude layers. Cumulus are the unmistakable “puffy clouds” you’d expect on a fair-weather day, though they can grow into bigger storm clouds if they develop vertical height.