Convective Condensation Level

Altitude at which a vertically developing cloud begins to form due to the rising of warm air through convection. Solar heating is the triggering factor of this process, as air near the ground heats up and begins to rise. The presence of air that is colder than normal in the section of the atmosphere where the ascent takes place is what determines whether or not the convective cloud forms and its subsequent growth, which may or may not culminate in a storm. The base of said cloud marks the convective condensation level, known in aerology by the acronym CCL.