Fractus cloud

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Appearance irregular
Precipitation Cloud? Yes

Fractus clouds, also commonly known as "Scud", are clouds which have broken off a larger cloud, usually sheared from the latter by strong winds. Fractus have irregular patterns, appearing much like torn pieces of cotton candy, and can form and dissipate rapidly.[1]

They are named generally for the type of cloud they were sheared from. Therefore, one which was sheared from a cumulus cloud would be called cumulus fractus. Cumulus fractus in particular form on the leading and trailing edges of summer storms in warm and humid conditions. [2] Observing fractus gives indications of wind movements under the parent cloud.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Cloud Chart - Chart of Different Cloud Types.
  2. ^ NOAA Cloud Types - NOAA Chart of Different Cloud Types.