jetcareers - View Single Post - What type of clouds are the most turbulent?

bdhill1979 · October 23rd, 2006, 21:13

Cumulus: Fair weather cumulus clouds form in convective currents and are charachetized by relatively flat bases and dome-shaped tops. Fair weather cumulus do not show extensive vertical development and do not produce precipitation. More often, fair weather cumulus indicated a shallow layer of instability. SOme turbulence and no significant icing.

Towering Cumulus: Towering cumulus signifies a relatively deep layer of unstable air. It shows considerable vertical development and ahs billowing "cauliflower" tops. Showers often result from these clouds. Very strong turbulence; some clear icing above freezing level.

Cumulonimbus: Cumulonimbus are the ultimate manifestation of instability. They are vertically developed clouds of large dimensions with dense "boiling" tops often crowned with thick veils of dense cirrus (the anvil). Nearly the entire spectrum of flying hazards are contained in these clouds including violent turbulence. They should be avoided at all times! This cloud is the thunderstorm cloud.

(copied from "Aviation Weather")

October 23rd, 2006, 21:13	#12
bdhill1979 Old Skool Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: U77 Posts: 2,438	Re: What type of clouds are the most turbulent? Cumulus: Fair weather cumulus clouds form in convective currents and are charachetized by relatively flat bases and dome-shaped tops. Fair weather cumulus do not show extensive vertical development and do not produce precipitation. More often, fair weather cumulus indicated a shallow layer of instability. SOme turbulence and no significant icing. Towering Cumulus: Towering cumulus signifies a relatively deep layer of unstable air. It shows considerable vertical development and ahs billowing "cauliflower" tops. Showers often result from these clouds. Very strong turbulence; some clear icing above freezing level. Cumulonimbus: Cumulonimbus are the ultimate manifestation of instability. They are vertically developed clouds of large dimensions with dense "boiling" tops often crowned with thick veils of dense cirrus (the anvil). Nearly the entire spectrum of flying hazards are contained in these clouds including violent turbulence. They should be avoided at all times! This cloud is the thunderstorm cloud. (copied from "Aviation Weather")