Q: Why are the bottoms of clouds...
- Share via
Q: Why are the bottoms of clouds flat while the tops can be quite fluffy? This phenomenon is especially apparent from an airplane flying through an overcast sky. It looks like someone took a giant knife and cut off the bottoms of all the clouds.
A: Strictly speaking, a cumulus cloud is large, funnel-shaped column of hot, humid air that extends from the ground upward. It is cut off square at the bottom by the “horizontal condensation level.” Below that level, the air is warm enough to hold its moisture unseen. Above it, the humid air condenses to produce visible droplets.
Sign up for Essential California
The most important California stories and recommendations in your inbox every morning.
You may occasionally receive promotional content from the Los Angeles Times.
