Waterspouts are usually produced by which two cloud types?

• A. Cumulus and Cumulonimbus
• B. Cirrus and Stratus
• C. Nimbostratus and Altostratus
• D. Cirrostratus and Altocumulus

Answer: (A)

Waterspouts form from strong convective updrafts in cumulus-type clouds that develop vertically, especially the tall, thunderstorm–producing cumulonimbus or the developing cumulus clouds. The energy from warm, humid air over the water creates vigorous updrafts, and wind shear can organize that rotating column of air into a funnel that reaches the surface. The other cloud types don’t typically generate the intense, organized convection and rotation needed for a waterspout—cirrus and stratus are too shallow or layered, nimbostratus/altostratus are widespread rain clouds without strong vertical development, and cirrostratus/altocumulus are mid/high clouds not usually associated with such strong, surface-penetrating vortices.