What type of clouds are formed by vertical convection and currents?

Cumuliform clouds are formed by vertical convection and currents in the atmosphere. These clouds develop when warm air rises, expands, and cools, leading to condensation and cloud formation. As the warm, moist air continues to rise, it can create towering structures, resulting in various types of cumulus clouds, including cumulus, cumulonimbus, and other variations that are typically associated with vertical growth.

In contrast, stratus clouds are generally flat and layered, forming in stable atmospheric conditions where there is little vertical movement. Stratus clouds typically cover the sky like a blanket and are associated with overcast conditions and light precipitation rather than convection.

Cirrus clouds are high-altitude, thin, and wispy. They form from ice crystals in a stable atmosphere and are not typically associated with vertical convection.

Flat clouds is a vague descriptor that does not accurately define a specific cloud type recognized in meteorology, making it less relevant in the context of cloud formation related to convection.

Understanding the characteristics and formation processes of different cloud types helps in interpreting weather conditions and predicting weather patterns effectively.