In which type of clouds does Convective Cloud Icing predominantly occur?

Convective Cloud Icing primarily occurs in cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds due to the intense vertical development and turbulence associated with these types of clouds. Cumulus clouds are characterized by their puffy appearance and vertical growth, which creates a conducive environment for updrafts that can lead to supercooled water droplets forming and adhering to aircraft surfaces. Cumulonimbus clouds, known for their towering structure and potential severe weather phenomena, are particularly notorious for producing significant icing conditions, especially at higher altitudes where temperatures may be below freezing.

The strong updrafts present in these clouds can cause water droplets to remain in a liquid state even at sub-zero temperatures, which is the basis for supercooled liquid water. When an aircraft encounters these conditions, it can lead to rapid accumulation of ice, increasing the hazard for pilots.

Other types of clouds, such as stratus, cirrus, and altostratus, generally lack the vertical development necessary to sustain the intense convection that fosters icing conditions. These clouds typically do not have the same atmospheric dynamics that lead to the presence of supercooled water at flight levels. Therefore, understanding the characteristics and conditions of cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds is crucial for pilots to anticipate and avoid convective cloud