At what altitude above the surface would you expect the base of cumuliform clouds if the surface temperature is 86 degrees and the dew point is 30 degrees F?

To determine the altitude at which cumuliform clouds are likely to form, the concept of lifting condensation level (LCL) is crucial. The LCL represents the height at which the air parcel, when lifted, becomes saturated and clouds begin to form.

Using the given surface temperature of 86 degrees Fahrenheit and a dew point of 30 degrees Fahrenheit, we can calculate the LCL. The LCL can be estimated using a rule of thumb that states for every degree Fahrenheit, the base of the clouds rises approximately 1,000 feet for a difference of 5 degrees between temperature and dew point.

First, we determine the difference between the temperature and the dew point:

86°F - 30°F = 56°F.

Next, we can use this temperature-dew point spread to estimate the LCL:

For every 1°F temperature drop (due to lifting of air), the base of the clouds rises by approximately 1,000 feet. Taking the temperature-dew point spread and dividing by 4, we estimate:

56°F / 4 = 14 (this means clouds will form at approximately 14,000 feet if the base is at sea level).

However, to find the LCL more accurately using the altitudinal