page_title: List of cloud types
section_title: Genus cumulus: Towering vertical
hierarchical_section_title: List of cloud types / Cloud identification and classification in the troposphere / Towering vertical cumulonimbiform and cumuliform (low to mid-level cloud base) / Genus cumulus: Towering vertical
caption_attribution_description: English: A example of Cumulus congestus which is known as towering cumulus. Because this photograph concerns privacy since this was taken on a private property, only an approximate location is provided: Wagga Wagga, New South Wales, Australia
context_page_description: The list of cloud types groups the main genera as high, middle, multi-level, and low according to the altitude level or levels at which each cloud is normally found. Small cumulus are commonly grouped with the low clouds because they do not show significant vertical extent. Of the multi-level genus-types, those with the greatest convective activity are often grouped separately as towering vertical. The genus types all have Latin names.
  The genera are also grouped into five physical forms. These are, in approximate ascending order of instability or convective activity: stratiform sheets; cirriform wisps and patches; stratocumuliform patches, rolls, and ripples; cumuliform heaps, and cumulonimbiform towers that often have complex structures. Most genera are divided into species with Latin names, some of which are common to more than one genus. Most genera and species can be subdivided into varieties, also with Latin names, some of which are common to more than one genus or species.
context_section_description: Abbreviations: Cu con (cumulus congestus) or Tcu (towering cumulus)
  Species
  Cumulus congestus (V-59)
  These large cumulus clouds have flat dark grey bases and very tall tower-like formations with tops mostly in the high level of the troposphere. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designates this species as towering cumulus (Tcu).
  Opacity-based varieties
  None (always opaque).
  Pattern-based variety
  None (not generally discerned with highly unstable cumulus congestus).
  Precipitation-based supplementary features
  Virga
  Accompanied by precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground.
  Praecipitatio
  Produces precipitation that reaches the ground.
  Cloud-based supplementary features
  Mamma
  Downward facing bubble-like protuberances caused by localized downdrafts within the cloud.
  Arcus (including roll and shelf clouds)
  Low horizontal cloud formation associated with the leading edge of a thunderstorm outflow.
  Tuba
  Column hanging from the cloud base which can develop into a small funnel cloud.
  Accessory clouds
  Pannus
  Accompanied by a lower layer of fractus species cloud forming in precipitation.
  Pileus
  Small cap-like cloud over parent cumulus cloud.
  Velum
  A thin horizontal sheet that forms around the middle of a cumulus cloud.
  Mother clouds
  Cumulus congestus flammagenitus.
  Other genitus and mutatus types are the same as for small and moderate cumulus.
caption: Cumulus congestus (V-59)
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