Cirrus floccus
Cirrus floccus clouds
AbbreviationCi flo
Symbol
GenusCirrus (curl)
Speciesfloccus (lock of wool)
AltitudeAbove 5,000 m
(Above 16,500 ft)
ClassificationFamily A (High-level)
Appearancesmall tufts
PrecipitationNone

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". 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.
  3. ^ Callanan, Martin. "Cirrus floccus". International Cloud Atlas. nephology.eu. Archived from the original on 30 December 2020. Retrieved 13 July 2011.
  4. ^ Institute of Atmospheric Sciences at the South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. "Cirrus (floccus)". A Guide to the Sky. Archived from the original on 10 February 2011. Retrieved 13 July 2011.

External links


Cirrus cloud (Ci) types
Cloud genera and selected species, supplementary features, and other airborne hydrometeors - WMO Latin terminology except where indicated
Categories