Earth:Cirrus floccus

From HandWiki
Short description: Type of cloud
Cirrus floccus
Cirrus floccus with virga 001.jpg
Cirrus floccus clouds
AbbreviationCi flo
SymbolClouds H2.svg
GenusCirrus (curl)
Speciesfloccus (lock of wool)
AltitudeAbove 5,000 m
(Above 16,500 ft)
ClassificationFamily A (High-level)
Appearancesmall tufts
Precipitation cloud?None

Cirrus floccus is a type of cirrus cloud. The name cirrus floccus is derived from Latin, meaning "a lock of wool".[1] Cirrus floccus occurs as small tufts of cloud, usually with a ragged base. The cloud can have virga falling from it, but the precipitation does not reach the ground.[2] The individual tufts are usually isolated from each other.[3] At formation, the cirrus floccus clouds are bright white and can be mistaken for altocumulus clouds; however, after a few minutes, the brightness begins to fade, indicating they are made up of pure ice, and are therefore at a higher level.[4]

See also

References

  1. Numen - The Latin Lexicon. "Definition of floccus". http://latinlexicon.org/definition.php?p1=1006366. Retrieved 13 July 2011. 
  2. Dunlop, Storm (2003). The weather identification handbook (1st Lyons Press ed.). Guilford, Conn.: Lyons Press. p. 57. ISBN 1-58574-857-9. https://books.google.com/books?id=KoZMvgAACAAJ. 
  3. Callanan, Martin. "Cirrus floccus". International Cloud Atlas. nephology.eu. http://nephology.eu/cirrus/cirrus-floccus. Retrieved 13 July 2011. 
  4. Institute of Atmospheric Sciences at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. "Cirrus (floccus)". A Guide to the Sky. http://www.ias.sdsmt.edu/dept/clouds/1b.htm. Retrieved 13 July 2011. 

External links