2007-07-27 14:42:13 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Not a type of cloud, its part of one. A funnel cloud is attached to a thunderstorm (so cumulonimbus) that is normally rotating (supercell). The part of the storm that rotates is called a mesocyclone. From the mesocyclone, a wall cloud can form. This cloud rotates and is lowered, yet attached to, the rotating mesoclycone. From the wall cloud, a concentrated point of rotation can form, pulling the cloud down resulting in a funnel. This funnel is the pre-cursor to a tornado, and once it makes contact with the ground, which by no means occurs every time, it is officially classified as a tornado.
To learn more about funnel clouds, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Funnel_cloud
To learn more about wall clouds, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wall_cloud
To learn more about mesocyclones, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mesocyclone
To learn more about tornadoes, click here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tornadoes
A cumulus fractus, or scud cloud, can sometimes be mistaken for a funnel. Spotters refer to the harmless scuds as SLCs, or Scary looking clouds.
hope that helps
2007-07-27 15:39:07 · answer #1 · answered by WeatherNerd 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Funnel cloud is the cloud formed at the core of a tornado or waterspout due to the reduction of pressure at the centre of the vortex,sometimes extending right down to the earth's surface.Similar cloud formations are sometimes seen without a waterspout or tornado at the ground.
2007-07-28 01:10:40 · answer #2 · answered by Arasan 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A funnel cloud is a rotating cloud decending from a severe thunderstorm otherwise known as Supercell or Cumulonimbus. It would be classifed as a tornado if it was touching the ground.
It is pretty much a tornado that hasnt made touch down yet.
Sincerely
liorrm
2007-07-27 15:48:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
A "funnel cloud" is not really a cloud, per se, but rather attempts to describe the fact that THE cloud, probably a cumulonimbus cloud, has a funnel descending from it.
2007-07-27 15:47:48 · answer #4 · answered by Just_One_Man's_Opinion 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
A funnel cloud is an accessory cloud. Once associated winds on the ground exceed 65 M.P.H., it is a tornado.
2007-07-27 14:55:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
A funnel cloud, John, is like a normal cloud, with one main difference: it is most often shaped like a funnel, unlike normally shaped clouds. I hope my technical answer wasn't too complex.
Thanks,
Poopidoopulous
2007-07-27 15:52:36 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
I think a funnel cloud is a cumulo-nimbus cloud that is rotating.
2007-07-27 14:44:46 · answer #7 · answered by existenz48162 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋
nimbus is a storm cloud.
cumulus are the tall clouds of thunder storms.
cumulonimbus sounds good.
2007-07-27 14:47:12 · answer #8 · answered by science teacher 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
a tornado
2007-07-27 14:47:12 · answer #9 · answered by girlnextdoor21xoxo 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋