© Frank Le Blancq
Jersey Airport, St Peter, Jersey
Latitude: 49° 12' 25'' N
Longitude: 2° 11' 52'' W
20 October 2010 1857 (Local Time)
Camera direction: towards NE
Image P/S code: S.9.1
Image I.D.: 5526
CL = 1, CM = 0, CH = 0
Cumulus are detached clouds, generally dense and with sharp outlines, that develop vertically in the form of rising mounds, domes or towers. The photograph shows small Cumulus clouds of very limited vertical development with clear-cut horizontal bases and a generally flattened appearance this is typical of the species humilis. The measured base of 1 300 m and estimated cloud top of 1 500 m confirm a shallow depth of less than 300 m. Cumulus are normally white, but this image was taken a few minutes before sunset; therefore, due to the low angle of the Sun, the upper parts of the clouds (still in sunlight) have a pink tinge, while the bases are dark. Cumulus humilis clouds never give precipitation.
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The 1800 UTC synoptic chart shows a building ridge of high pressure over the East Atlantic and western English Channel (the location of the image).
The sounding from the upwind station of Camborne, England, UK (WMO 03808) shows a subsidence inversion close to 850 hPa (1 500 m) and a very dry zone in the middle atmosphere from 850 to 500 hPa.
This photograph shows detached Cumulus clouds of small vertical extent. They are white with outlines that are generally not very ragged and have relatively clear-cut horizontal bases, such as at 1 and 2. Viewed from a distance, the clouds as a whole appear as if flattened or deflated, defining them as species humilis. Some may have rounded tops, as seen near the centre of the image, but without a cauliflower appearance. Cumulus humilis clouds never give precipitation. Towards the top of the image, the ragged and indistinct edges of the cloud identify the species as fractus, most likely in the process of developing into humilis.
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