Which type of clouds is most associated with severe turbulence and icing?

Cumulonimbus clouds are indeed the type of clouds most closely associated with severe turbulence and icing. These towering clouds are characterized by their vertical development and can reach high altitudes, creating strong updrafts and downdrafts that lead to a turbulent environment. The energy within cumulonimbus clouds can produce severe weather phenomena, including thunderstorms, heavy rain, and hail.

Additionally, the tops of these clouds can extend well into the colder regions of the atmosphere, where temperatures are low enough to cause icing. The combination of vertical air movement, moisture, and temperature variations makes cumulonimbus clouds particularly hazardous for aviation, resulting in significant turbulence and potential ice accumulation on aircraft.

In contrast, stratus clouds typically form in a uniform layer and are associated with stable conditions, leading to minimal turbulence. Cirrus clouds, which are high and wispy, generally indicate fair weather and do not produce significant turbulence or icing. Nimbostratus clouds, while associated with steady precipitation, do not have the same intensity or vertical development as cumulonimbus clouds, therefore presenting less severe turbulence and icing risks.