the first cloud mentioned above does it have any sub forms ?
Yes, this  clouds come in four distinct species, "cumulis humilis", "mediocris", "congestus", and "fractus"
Cumulus cloud
Cumulus clouds come in four distinct species, "cumulis humilis", "mediocris", "congestus", and "fractus". These species may be arranged into the variety, "cumulus radiatus"; and may be accompanied by up to seven supplementary features, "cumulus pileus", "velum", "virga", "praecipitatio", "arcus", "pannus", and "tuba".
why does the height of the cumulus cloud base change Due to weather factors such as instability, moisture, and temperature gradient what are cumulus clouds ? They are clouds which have flat bases and are often described as "puffy", "cotton-like" or "fluffy" in appearance how are they formed ? They are formed via atmospheric convection as air warmed by the surface begins to rise what are their effects on climate ? Due to reflectivity, clouds cool the earth by around, however, at the same time, they heat the earth by around by reflecting emitted radiation, an effect largely caused by cirrus clouds what is the last type of cloud you mentioned in the above statement ? It is a genus of atmospheric cloud generally characterized by thin, wispy strands, giving the type its name from the Latin word "cirrus", meaning a ringlet or curling lock of hair how are this used in forecasting ? A large number of cirrus clouds can be a sign of an approaching frontal system or upper air disturbance. This signals a change in weather in the near future, which usually becomes more stormy does it have any kind of optical phenomena ? Yes, it can produce several optical effects, such as halos around the sun and moon what is the first effect you mentioned ? It is an optical phenomenon caused by interaction of the light with hexagonal ice crystals present in the clouds, which, depending on their shape and orientation, can result in a wide variety of white and colored rings, arcs and spots in the sky
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Cumulus cloud [SEP] Subforms
Cumulus clouds come in four distinct species, "cumulis humilis", "mediocris", "congestus", and "fractus". These species may be arranged into the variety, "cumulus radiatus"; and may be accompanied by up to seven supplementary features, "cumulus pileus", "velum", "virga", "praecipitatio", "arcus", "pannus", and "tuba". The species "Cumulus fractus" is ragged in appearance and can form in clear air as a precursor to cumulus humilis and larger cumulus species-types; or it can form in precipitation as the supplementary feature "pannus" (also called scud) which can also include stratus fractus of bad weather. "Cumulus humilis" clouds look like puffy, flattened shapes. "Cumulus mediocris" clouds look similar, except that they have some vertical development.