Cumulus Clouds (Cu)

Shearing1.jpg: The clouds in the centre and the background are in the process of growth to the Cumulus congestus state. Hence there is a shear flow from right to left (i.e. from north to south) above the major cloud cover which "tips" the high-growing towers. Here the wind interrupts the development to fully-grown Cumulonimbus clouds.

Shearing2.jpg: A single Cumulus congestus tower is shown which is tipped to the right by the wind shear. Looking closely at it the observer recognizes a pileus above the cloud top.

The cruising altitude was 11300 m and the cloud top is not much below the aircraft. In the background a Cumulonimbus system can be seen which is also influenced by the wind shear.

Shearing3.jpg presents a whole field of swelling Cumulus congestus tipped to the right side.

Shearing1.jpg: S. Borrmann, flight from Stockholm to Frankfurt, 22 June 2002 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Shearing2.jpg, Shearing3.jpg: S. Borrmann, flight from Fortaleza to Sao Paulo, Brazil, 2 February 2004, 4:49 p.m. and 5:01 p.m.