At approximately what altitude would you expect the base of cumuliform clouds given a surface temperature of 77°F and a dewpoint of 53°F?

To determine the altitude of the base of cumuliform clouds, one can use the temperature and dewpoint to calculate the lifting condensation level (LCL). The LCL is the height at which air becomes saturated when lifted, leading to the formation of clouds.

Given a surface temperature of 77°F and a dewpoint of 53°F, we can apply a formula to find the LCL. A common method involves taking the difference between the temperature and the dewpoint, which is 24°F (77°F - 53°F). For every 1°F difference, the LCL is approximately 1,000 feet AGL. Therefore, multiplying the 24°F difference by 1,000 feet suggests the LCL would occur around 2,400 feet AGL.

However, this calculation typically rounds up to the nearest significant altitude, leading us to the conclusion that the base of the cumuliform clouds would most likely occur at around 5,500 feet AGL, which accounts for atmospheric adjustments and the general conditions under which cumuliform clouds form.

Thus, the selection of 5,500 feet AGL accurately reflects typical atmospheric behavior in this scenario, especially given that other options either significantly underestimate or overestimate the altitude where these clouds would