C_L8 Cu and Sc at different heights

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Gallery
C.S. Broomfield (© Crown copyright)	C.S. Broomfield (© Crown copyright

The code figure C_L=8 is used for cumulus and stratocumulus that have their bases at different heights. (For stratocumulus formed from the spreading out of cumulus use C_L=4).

Usually the cumulus forms beneath patches or a sheet of stratocumulus (top photograph). The cumulus may even thrust its way into or through the stratocumulus (bottom photograph). Unlike some C_L4, the cumulus of C_L8 does not widen upwards towards the stratocumulus layer. A thinned or even cleared area may surround the cumulus column.

Less frequently the cumulus appears above the stratocumulus.

Classification
Description: Cumulus and stratocumulus with bases at different heights.	Designation: CH=8 (C6 stratocumulus, C8 cumulus)
	Latin name: Cumulus (Cu), stratocumulus (Sc) [plus several species and varieties].

Related pages: Cloud classification | C_L guide | C_M guide | C_H guide | Cloud index