Which term describes the type of cloud that typically indicates a thunderstorm?

Cumulonimbus clouds are specifically associated with thunderstorms due to their vertical development and ability to produce severe weather phenomena. These clouds can grow to great heights, often reaching the tropopause, and are characterized by their anvil-shaped tops and dense, towering structure. Within these clouds, various processes can lead to the development of significant weather conditions, including heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and lightning.

The formation of cumulonimbus clouds is driven by strong updrafts in the atmosphere, which allow them to develop extensive vertical growth. As warm, moist air rises, it cools, condenses, and forms the cloud. The energy from this rising air can lead to the release of latent heat, further enhancing the updraft and potentially leading to the development of thunderstorms.

In contrast, the other cloud types listed have different characteristics. Cumulus clouds represent small, puffy clouds typically associated with fair weather, while stratus clouds appear as widespread, uniform layers that can bring light precipitation but not the severe weather associated with thunderstorms. Nimbostratus clouds, while capable of producing steady rain, lack the vertical development and turbulence of cumulonimbus clouds, making them less likely to indicate thunderstorm activity.

Thus, cumulonimbus clouds are