Pyrocumulus (d-040618-008)

In gallery: Photos of the month (2004)
Related photos: Clouds Various cloud forms

Pyrocumulus is a cumulus cloud caused by fire. The photo shows billowing smoke clouds due to a grass fire, in New Mexico (USA). This is a very dry region, and the cloud base (condensation level) of cumulus is usually relatively high. Nevertheless, the smoke from this fire barely reached the condensation level, transforming the smoke to white cumulus.

Photo taken with Nikon D100 digital SLR camera on June 18, 2004. The fire occurred near Belen, New Mexico, and was probably caused by a sigarette or campfire.