🔍 Key Concepts

• Cumulus vs. cumulonimbus clouds and how they differ in appearance and vertical extent • Weather typically associated with strong vertical cloud development • Common signs that severe convective activity is present or likely

💭 Think About

• What kind of air motion (rising or sinking) leads to tall, towering clouds that build vertically? • When clouds grow from fair‑weather cumulus into large, dark, anvil‑shaped towers, what type of weather do mariners usually prepare for? • Which of the answer choices describes local, convective conditions rather than a large‑scale frontal system or tropical cyclone?

✅ Before You Answer

• Match cumulonimbus with the type of hazards they usually bring (e.g., strong gusts, lightning, heavy rain). • Distinguish between large‑scale systems (fronts, hurricanes/typhoons) and local convective storms. • Think about whether cumulonimbus clouds generally mean improving/clearing or deteriorating/unstable weather.