resulting in a cloud that's puffy on top but flat on the bottom. That level is called the lifting condensation level (LCL) or convective condensation level (CCL), depending on the lifting mechanism.

The flat bottom of cumulus clouds defines the exact ... water vapor within the rising current to condense into a visible cloud. Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Click to share ...

These clouds build higher and higher into the atmosphere throughout the day as more warm air gets shoved up into the cloud. However, the bottom level of the cloud where the air is condensing stays ...