Cirrus floccus

Cirrus floccus

Cirrus floccus with virga
Abbreviation Ci flo
Symbol
Genus Cirrus (curl of hair)
Species floccus (flaked or puffy)
Altitude Above 5,000 m
(Above 16,500 ft)
Classification Family A (High-level)
Appearance small tufts
Precipitation cloud? Occasionally virga

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

List of cloud types

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. ed.). Guilford, Conn.: Lyons Press. pp. 57. ISBN 1585748579. http://books.google.com/books?id=BR2ft4G5TgQC&lpg=PA1&pg=PA57#v=onepage&q=floccus&f=false. Retrieved 13 July 2011. 
  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

International Cloud Atlas - Cirrus floccus

Species
Varieties
Variants
Extreme-level
High-level
Medium-level
Low-level
Vertical