© Stephen Burt

Penang, Malaysia

Latitude: 5° 24' 51'' N

Longitude: 100° 19' 44'' E

14 May 2007 1637 (Local Time)

Image P/S code: S.10.12

Image I.D.: 4726

• Images & related info Other Images Images of 1987 edition
• 

  Cumulonimbus calvus with pileus

  Cumulonimbus are heavy, dense clouds of considerable vertical extent, in the form of a mountain or huge towers. In this image we see the species calvus, in which at least part of the upper portion is usually smooth, fibrous or striated, and nearly always flattened. In front of the highest portion of the calvus, the sproutings have sharper outlines and the cauliflower appearance of Cumulus congestus. Also visible is a pileus accessory cloud; these clouds occasionally form above rapidly developing convective clouds. They have a smooth appearance and are of small horizontal extent in the form of a cap or hood attached to the upper part of the main cloud. Pileus, which is not long-lasting, is formed by strong updrafts acting on moist air above, causing the air to cool to its dew point.

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  © Stephen Burt
  Penang, Malaysia
  Latitude: 5° 24' 51'' N
  Longitude: 100° 19' 44'' E
  14 May 2007 1637 (Local Time)
  
  
  Image P/S code: S.10.12
  Image I.D.: 4726
• 

  This sounding from Singapore (WMO 48698) was taken about 3 hours after the photograph. It shows a moist atmosphere that is very unstable to a height of around 150 hPa or 14 000 m

  © University of Wyoming