Which condition below is necessary for a layer of altostratus clouds to change into altocumulus?
A) The top part of the cloud deck cools while the bottom part warms.
B) Temperature increases with increasing altitude in the layer.
C) The cloud layer becomes more stable.
D) all of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Altostratus clouds form at lower altitudes and are typically thicker and more uniform compared to altocumulus clouds which form at higher altitudes and are characterized by individual cloud elements. In order for a layer of altostratus clouds to change into altocumulus, the top part of the cloud deck needs to cool while the bottom part warms. This destabilizes the cloud layer and allows for the formation of cumulus-type clouds like altocumulus. Option B is incorrect because temperature increasing with altitude is characteristic of an inversion which would make the atmosphere more stable and less conducive to cloud formation. Option C is also incorrect because an increase in stability would actually hinder the formation of altocumulus clouds.

Which Condition Below Is Necessary for a Layer of Altostratus