Cumulus clouds are known for what characteristic?

Cumulus clouds are recognized for their globular individual masses, which typically exhibit a fluffy, cotton-like appearance. These clouds usually have a white color with a well-defined outline, and they form in unstable atmospheric conditions when warm air rises and cools. This vertical development is what leads to their characteristic appearance, as they poke up into the sky like puffs of cotton.

The other characteristics associated with different types of clouds help distinguish cumulus from them. Low-lying sheet-like formations are characteristic of stratus clouds, while high, wispy clouds are associated with cirrus clouds. Dark and dense structures are typical of nimbus clouds, which often indicate precipitation. Understanding these distinctions is crucial when identifying various types of clouds based on their appearance and form.