Cumuliform clouds indicate what type of turbulence?

Cumuliform clouds are characteristic of convective activity, which occurs when warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to cloud formation. This upward movement of air is a fundamental aspect of convection, making these clouds a reliable indicator of convective turbulence.

Convective turbulence is associated with strong vertical motions in the atmosphere caused by the uneven heating of the Earth's surface, which happens more intensively in summertime and during the day. As warm air rises, it can create updrafts and downdrafts, leading to turbulent conditions, particularly in and around cumuliform clouds.

Other types of turbulence, such as mechanical turbulence, are caused by airflow disruptions from ground features, while light turbulence refers to the intensity of the turbulence experience itself. Clear air turbulence typically occurs at high altitudes in the absence of visible clouds, which further distinguishes it from the turbulence associated with cumuliform clouds.