The second type of
precipitative cloud is the heap type, and it is
subdivided into cumulus, cumulonimbus, and
stratocumulus. These clouds are characterized by
being puffy-shaped and piled upon each other.
Cumulus and cumulonimbus are the true heap clouds -
stratocumulus is a form of degenerated, spread-out
cumulus [18]. The second verse above on rain clouds
([24:43]) describes the formation of heap rain
clouds. These clouds are formed under conditions of
strong updrafts (thermals) and downdrafts of air:
"...drives
clouds with force..." [24:43]
As the puffs of clouds
form, they may unite into a single giant cloud, all
piled up on top of one another:
"...then
joins them together, then makes them into a
heap..." [24:43]
At this point, either
a cumulus or a cumulonimbus cloud has formed -
either of which can yield rain. The rest of the
verse is applicable to the case of a cumulonimbus
(which is familiar to all of us as the towering
thunderstorm cloud). If the heap cloud assumes large
vertical proportions, then it can appear to the
observer on the ground as a huge mountain or hill,
but more importantly, by extending high into the
atmosphere, the upper cloud droplets can freeze and
thereby yield hail [17, 18]:
"...And He
sends down from the sky mountains (of clouds)
wherein is hail..." [24:43]
Finally, cumulonimbus
clouds (i.e. thunderstorms) can have one last vivid
property: lightning [17, 18]:
"...The
flash of His lightning well-nigh snatches away
the sight..." [24:43]
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