Which of the following describes cumulus clouds?

Cumulus clouds are characteristic for their appearance, which is often described as white and puffy. They typically form in fair weather and resemble cotton-like formations that can vary in size and shape. These clouds develop due to the rising of warm, moist air which cools and condenses at higher altitudes, leading to the formation of visible water droplets. The bright, white appearance of cumulus clouds indicates that they are reflecting sunlight, and they often appear in a more three-dimensional, fluffy structure compared to other cloud types.

In contrast, other cloud types have distinct features: dark and stormy clouds are indicative of cumulonimbus or nimbostratus clouds associated with precipitation, thin and wispy clouds are generally cirrus clouds that indicate high altitude and typically fair weather, while flat and layered clouds describe stratocumulus or stratus clouds that are more uniform and can cover large portions of the sky. Therefore, the defining characteristic of cumulus clouds as white and puffy clearly aligns with their common representation in meteorology.