20.0k views
3 votes
What is the approximate base of the cumulus clouds if the surface air temperature at 1000 feet MSL is 70°F and the dewpoint is 48°F

1 Answer

3 votes

Answer:

Step-by-step explanation:

Here's the answer.

To estimate the approximate base of the cumulus clouds, we first need to determine the lifting condensation level (LCL), which is the height at which the air reaches saturation and clouds begin to form as it rises.

To calculate the LCL, we can use the following formula:

LCL = (T - Td) x 400

Where:

T is the temperature in Fahrenheit at the surface

Td is the dew point temperature in Fahrenheit at the surface

In this case, T = 70°F and Td = 48°F:

LCL = (70 - 48) x 400

LCL = 8800 feet MSL

So, the base of the cumulus clouds would likely be around 8800 feet MSL. However, this is just an estimate and the actual height of the cloud base can vary due to other factors such as atmospheric stability, moisture content, and local topography.

User Martin Strouhal
by
8.5k points