A "cloud fire" is essentially a flammagenitus cloud, also known as a pyrocumulus cloud or fire cloud, which forms due to intense heat sources like wildfires or volcanic eruptions. These clouds are dense and cumuliform.
Understanding Flammagenitus Clouds
Flammagenitus clouds are fascinating meteorological phenomena. They are a direct result of intense heat rising rapidly into the atmosphere.
- Formation: These clouds form because of the significant heat released by fires or volcanic eruptions. This heat causes air to rise quickly (convection), carrying moisture with it. As the air rises and cools, the moisture condenses, forming a cloud.
- Appearance: They typically look like dense, towering cumulus clouds, often with a grayish or brownish tint due to the smoke and ash particles they contain.
- Relationship to Firestorms: A flammagenitus cloud shares some dynamic similarities with a firestorm and the two can occur together.
Key Characteristics
Here's a quick overview of the key features:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | Flammagenitus, Pyrocumulus, Fire Cloud |
| Formation | Intense heat from fires or volcanic eruptions |
| Type | Dense, cumuliform cloud |
| Association | Often linked to firestorms |
In summary, a cloud fire or flammagenitus cloud is a type of cloud born from the extreme heat generated by wildfires or volcanic activity.
