Like cirrocumulus, altocumulus may align in rows or streets of clouds, with cloud axes indicating localized areas of ascending, moist air, and clear zones between rows suggesting locally descending, drier air. How can I request an ISP to disclose their customer's identity? Undulatus – "Wavy": stratiform or stratocumuliform cloud displaying an undulating pattern. [1][2], Polar stratospheric clouds form at very high altitudes in polar regions of the stratosphere. Cirriform clouds tend to be wispy and are mostly transparent or translucent. No differentiated species (always nebulous). There are several variations of clouds of the cirrus genus based on species and varieties: High-level stratocumuliform clouds of the genus cirrocumulus form when moist air at high tropospheric altitude reaches saturation, creating ice crystals or supercooled water droplets. In the cold polar oceans there are many very large stratocumulus clouds. The genera are also grouped into five physical forms. They are sub-classified alpha-numerically according to specific details of their cirriform physical structure. Moderate vertical cumulus is the product of free convective airmass instability. Polar mesospheric clouds are the highest in the atmosphere and are given the Latin name noctilucent which refers to their illumination during deep twilight. A cloud at the surface is called a fog. Altostratus translucidus duplicatus (V-53). Cumulonimbus tuba (WMO genus and supplementary feature) – column hanging from the bottom of cumulonimbus. Most genera are divided into species with Latin names, some of which are common to more than one genus. How does a Cloak of Displacement interact with a tortle's Shell Defense? If a homogenitus cloud of one genus changes to another genus type, it is then termed a. Silvagenitus (silva-/pertaining to trees or forests) – formed by low-level condensation of water vapor released by vegetation, especially forest canopies. Noctilucent clouds and anthropogenic climate change. [28], Cloud identification and classification: Order of listed types, Cloud identification and classification throughout the homosphere, Polar mesospheric cloud identification and classification, Extreme-level stratiform, stratocumuliform, and cirriform, Polar stratospheric cloud identification and classification, Very high-level cirriform and stratocumuliform, Cloud identification and classification in the troposphere, High-level cirriform, stratocumuliform, and stratiform, Mid-level stratocumuliform and stratiform, Towering vertical cumulonimbiform and cumuliform (low to mid-level cloud base), Multi-level stratiform and moderate vertical cumuliform (low to mid-level cloud base), Low-level stratocumuliform, cumuliform, and stratiform, Tropospheric cloud types with Latin etymologies where applicable, Informal terms recently accepted for WMO classification with Latin nomenclature, WMO and informal terms related to free-convective cloud types and storms. Genitus and mutatus types are the same as for cumulus of little vertical extent. High clouds form in the highest and coldest region of the troposphere from about 5 to 12 km (16,500 to 40,000 ft) in temperate latitudes. Stratocumulus is a member of the ten fundamental cloud types (or cloud genera). Stratus silvagenitus is a stratus cloud that forms as water vapor is added to the air above a forest. and 5° Bands of cloud resembling cirrus located mainly in the highest of three main layers that cover Jupiter.[24]. Limited convective instability at the cloud level gives the cloud a rolled or rippled appearance. Cirrus homomutatus; cirrus formed by the complete transformation of cirrus homogenitus. An Altocumulus is a cloud belonging to a class characterized by globular masses or rolls in layers or patches, the individual elements being larger and darker than those of cirrocumulus and smaller than those of stratocumulus. :-). The boxes for genus and species combinations that have no varieties are left blank. site design / logo © 2021 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under cc by-sa. Would you want to add it to your post? No varieties (always opaque and does not form in patterns visible from surface level). Cataractagenitus (cataracta-/pertaining to a river cataract) – formed from the mist at a waterfall, the downdraft caused from the cloud is counteracted by the ascending air displacement from the waterfall and may go on to form other types of clouds such as. How would a theoretically perfect language work? Cumulonimbus pileus (WMO genus and accessory cloud) – capped, hood-shaped cloud above a cumulonimbus cloud. Altocumulogenitus – formed by the partial transformation of altocumulus … Fluctus: Crested wave-like stratocumulus, altocumulus, or cirrus cloud formed by wind-shear. Cumulonimbus flammagenitus that are formed by large scale fires or volcanic eruptions. Rope cloud (informal term) – A narrow, long, elongated line of cumulus clouds that sometimes develop at the leading edge of an advancing cold front that is often visible in satellite imagery. They may also be confused with stratocumulus clouds; however, these are larger. They are broken down into ten genuses of clouds: Cirrus, Cirrocumulus, Cirrostratus, Altocumulus, Altostratus, Stratocumulus, Cumulus, Stratus, Cumulonimbus, and Nimbostratus. Rope – (slang) narrow, sometimes twisted funnel type cloud seen after a tornado dissipates. Isolated cirrus do not bring rain; however, large amounts of cirrus can indicate an approaching storm system eventually followed by fair weather. Mediocris (Med) – "Medium-size": Cumuliform (Cu med) with moderate vertical extent; indicates moderate instability and upcurrents. Cumulogenitus – spreading out or partial transformation of cumulus. These ordinal instability numbers appear in each box where a particular genus has a particular species. Stratus nebulosus translucidus undulatus (V-92), Stratus nebulosus opacus undulatus (V-93). altocumulus meaning: 1. a type of cumulus (= a tall, rounded, white cloud with a flat base) found at medium height…. Stratocumulus are low-level clouds that will have their bases below 6500 feet whereas Altocumulus cloud bases are between 6500 and 20,000 feet making them mid-level clouds. The division of genus types into species is as shown in the following table. How can I visit HTTPS websites in old web browsers? Noctilucent clouds are thin clouds that come in a variety of forms based from about 80 to 85 kilometres (262,000–279,000 ft) and occasionally seen in deep twilight after sunset and before sunrise. Morning fog of water and/or carbon dioxide commonly forms in low areas of the planet. Other genitus and mutatus types are the same as for small and moderate cumulus. Only light precipitation, usually drizzle, occurs with stratocumulus clouds. The table that follows is very broad in scope and draws from several methods of classification, both formal and informal, used in different levels of the homosphere by a number of authorities. Stratocumulus duplicatus are usually of the size of an individual’s hand when pointed in the same way. Their altitude however differentiates them the most, with stratocumulus clouds being closer to the ground. [11] Frontal cirrostratus is a precursor to rain or snow if it thickens into mid-level altostratus and eventually nimbostratus as the weather front moves closer to the observer. Wave and haze clouds that are seen mostly in the middle layer. It only takes a minute to sign up. Additionally, stratocumulus clouds are generally darker than cumulus clouds. Stratiformis (Str) – "Sheet-like": Horizontal cloud sheet of flattened stratocumuliform (Sc str, Ac str, Cc str); indicates very slight airmass instability. See more. Very low stratiform clouds that touch the Earth's surface are given the common names, fog and mist, which are not included with the Latin nomenclature of clouds that form aloft in the troposphere. The species associated with each genus type are listed in approximate ascending order of instability where applicable. Spissatus (Spi) – "Dense": Thick cirriform (Ci spi) with a grey appearance; indicates some upward movement of air in the upper troposphere. In section two of this page (Classification of major types), height ranges are sorted in approximate descending order of altitude expressed in general terms. For that you need a 'ceilometer', which is a vertical beam of light reflected off the cloud-base. Their altitude however differentiates them the most, with stratocumulus clouds being closer to the ground. Anvil dome (WMO supplementary feature incus) – the. Cumulus praecipitatio (WMO genus and supplementary feature) – cumulus whose precipitation reaches the ground. The vertical height from base to top is generally less than the width of the cloud base. Where applicable, the genera and varieties are cross-classified to show the species normally associated with each combination of genus and variety. Backsheared anvil – (slang) anvil that spreads upwind, indicative of extreme weather. [25] an intermediate deck of ammonium hydrosulfide, and an inner deck of cumulus water clouds. The constituent varieties and associated supplementary features and mother clouds for each genus or species are arranged in approximate order of frequency of occurrence. The height of … The essentials of the modern nomenclature system for tropospheric clouds were proposed by Luke Howard, a British manufacturing chemist and an amateur meteorologist with broad interests in science, in an 1802 presentation to the Askesian Society. Cumulonimbus pannus (WMO genus and accessory cloud) – shredded sections attached to main Cb cloud. Stratocumulus duplicatus: Sc du: In two or several layers lying one above the other. Translucidus – "Translucent": Thin translucent patch or sheet of stratiform or stratocumuliform. Stratocumulus stratiformis (always dividable into opacity-based varieties), Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus (V-67), Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus (V-68), Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus radiatus (V-70), Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus radiatus (V-71), Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus radiatus (V-72), Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus duplicatus (V-73), Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus duplicatus (V-74), Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus duplicatus (V-75), Stratocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (V-76), Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus (V-77), Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus undulatus (V-78), Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus undulatus (V-79), Stratocumulus lenticularis undulatus (V-80), Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus lacunosus (V-81), Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus lacunosus (V-82), Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus lacunosus (V-83). Clouds of the genus cumulonimbus have very dark gray to nearly black flat bases and very high tops that can penetrate the tropopause. Pannus – Latin for "shredded cloth": A ragged or shredded accessory cloud that forms in precipitation below the main cloud. It is formed when convectively stable moist air cools to saturation at high altitude, forming ice crystals. Even though I know, Ac are higher clouds than Sc, it is most of the time hard for me. It provides the definitions and descriptions of cloud types and meteors, and flow charts to help identify them. High clouds, medium altitude clouds, lower clouds, and vertical tall clouds. Non-vertical genus types (including some genus sub-types) are sorted into approximate descending order of altitude of the cloud bases. Lower-based convective clouds that can produce thunderstorms. Cumulus radiatus (WMO genus and variety) – cumulus arranged in parallel lines that appear to converge near the horizon. Cloud tags (WMO species fractus) – ragged detached portions of cloud. The list of cloud types groups the main genera as high (cirrus, cirro-), middle (alto-), multi-level (nimbostratus, cumulus, cumulonimbus), and low (stratus, strato-) according to the altitude level or levels at which each cloud is normally found. They develop from cumulus when the airmass is convectively highly unstable. None (not generally discerned with highly unstable cumulus congestus). Inverted cumulus (informal variation of WMO supplementary feature mamma) – cumulus which has transferred momentum from an exceptionally intense Cb tower and is convectively growing on the underside of an anvil. Collar cloud (WMO velum accessory cloud) – ring shape surrounding upper part of wall cloud. Cirrus homogenitus; cirrus formed by spreading of aircraft contrails. than 5° To tell the difference between a stratocumulus and an altocumulus cloud, point your hand toward the cloud. Cloud decks in parallel latitudinal bands at and below the tropopause alternatingly composed of ammonia crystals and ammonium hydrosulfate. Cirrocumulus clouds look like little puffs of hair - or maybe fish, depending on who you ask. These are, in approximate ascending order of instability or convective activity: stratiform sheets; cirriform wisps and patches; stratocumuliform patches, rolls, and ripples; cumuliform heaps, and cumulonimbiform towers that often have complex structures. Altostratus can bring light rain or snow. Altocumulus (From Latin Altus, "high", cumulus, "heaped") is a middle-altitude cloud genus that belongs mainly to the stratocumuliform physical category characterized by globular masses or rolls in layers or patches, the individual elements being larger and darker than those of cirrocumulus and smaller than those of stratocumulus. Castellanus (Cas) – Latin for "castle-like": Applies to stratocumuliform (Sc cas, Ac cas, Cc cas) and dense cirriform (Ci cas) with a series of, Congestus (Con) – Latin for "congested": Applies to cumuliform (Cu con/Tcu) with great vertical development and heaped into. Why is the eastern Pacific full of stratocumulus clouds, and why do they have so much variation in net radiation? Incus – "Anvil": Top part of a mature cumulonimbus cloud; anvil-shaped feature. Knuckles (informal variation of WMO supplementary feature mamma) – lumpy protrusion that hangs from edge or underside of anvil. Thin scattered wave-cloud resembling cirrocumulus. Stratocumulus clouds are large dark and round, usually in groups or waves, and they are lower in the sky. They are characterized by altitude as very high level (polar stratospheric) and extreme level (polar mesospheric). Condensation funnel (WMO supplementary feature tuba) – the cloud of a. Cumulus pileus (WMO genus and accessory cloud) – capped, hood-shaped cumulus cloud. Velum – "A ship's sail": An accessory cloud in the form of a sail. Thick overcast clouds of sulfur dioxide and carbon dioxide in three main layers at altitudes of 45 to 65 km that obscure the planet's surface and can produce virga. How were four wires replaced with two wires in early telephone? These clouds tell us that the weather is switching from good to unstable. How to distinguish between Altocumulus, Stratocumulus and Cumulus clouds? Absence of any precipitation; Stratocumulus can have weak falls Cumulus clouds that do not get very tall are indicators of fair weather. Cirrocumulus castellanus lacunosus (V-20). Thanks for contributing an answer to Earth Science Stack Exchange! Stratocumulus perlucidus: Sc pe: By small irregular gaps transparent. Burroughs, William James; Crowder, Bob (January 2007). The WMO International Cloud Atlas is the reference for the classification of clouds and meteorological meteors. Cumulus ("heap") is the familiar puffy fair-weather type of cloud; stratocumulus is its more … Each box is marked where a particular genus or sub-type has a particular genitus or mutatus mother cloud. Learn more. Anvil (WMO supplementary feature incus) – the anvil top of a cumulonimbus cloud. Ragged stratus often forms in precipitation while more uniform stratus forms in maritime or other moist stable air mass conditions. Floccus (Flo) – "Tufted": Applies to stratocumuliform (Sc flo, Ac flo, Cc flo) and high cirriform (Ci flo); indicates some mid or high-level instability. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. In sections three to five, terrestrial clouds are listed in descending order of the altitude range of each atmospheric layer in which clouds can form: In section six, the cloud types in the general lists and the mother clouds in the applicable classification table are sorted in alphabetical order except where noted. This page was last edited on 8 December 2020, at 23:15. @KKZiomek This meteorologist also agrees with Gordon (and Bart) as well. The genus types all have Latin names. Wave-cloud resembling stratocumulus, especially as a polar cap cloud over the winter pole which is mostly composed of suspended frozen carbon dioxide.[21][22]. Stratocumulus is distinguished from Altocumulus by: Most of the regularly arranged elements having, when observed at an Altostratogenitus – formed by the partial transformation of altostratus. Not exactly the answer I was looking for, but thanks, at least I know I'm not alone :) I'll still give you credit, but I found my answer elswhere. Can anti-radiation missiles be used to target stealth fighter aircraft? Three of the five physical forms in the troposphere are also seen at these higher levels, stratiform, cirriform, and stratocumuliform, although the tops of very large cumulonimbiform clouds can penetrate the lower stratosphere. Clouds resembling several terrestrial types can be seen over Mars and are believed to be composed of water-ice. Cirrocumulogenitus – partial transformation of cirrocumulus. The species table shows these types sorted from left to right in approximate ascending order of the convective instability of each species. Stack Exchange network consists of 176 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. Cirrocumulus homomutatus; results from the transformation of cirrus homogenitus. Cirrostratogenitus – partial transformation of cirrostratus. By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Other articles where Stratocumulus is discussed: atmosphere: Cloud formation within the troposphere: …are randomly distributed and as stratocumulus when they are organized into lines. Layered forms of altocumulus are generally an indicator of limited convective instability, and are therefore mainly stratocumuliform in structure. They are sorted from left to right in approximate decreasing order of frequency of occurrence for each of three categories. They have Latin names as authorized by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) that indicate physical structure, altitude or étage, and process of formation. Why do jet engine igniters require huge voltages? Altocumulus definition, a cloud of a class characterized by globular masses or rolls in layers or patches, the individual elements being larger and darker than those of cirrocumulus and smaller than those of stratocumulus: of medium altitude, about 8000–20,000 feet … Middle cloud forms from 2 to 7 km (6,500–23,000 ft) in temperate latitudes, and may be composed of water droplets or ice crystals depending on the temperature profile at that altitude range.[5]. Possible precipitation in the form of weak falls of rain or Altocumulus clouds exhibit “cumulo” type characteristics (see below) in mid levels, i.e., heap-like clouds with convective elements. Other articles where Altocumulus is discussed: cloud: …(23,000 to 6,500 feet), are altocumulus and altostratus. Uncinus (Unc) – "Hook-like": Cirriform (Ci unc) with a hook shape at the top; indicates a nearby backside of a weather system. Stratus cataractagenitus are generated by the spray from waterfalls. Cirrocumulus, Cirrus, Cumulonimbus, Altocumulus, Altostratus, Cumulus, Stratus, and Stratocumulus are the different types of clouds. Sometimes, they are in the form of a continuous layer with an undulating surface. Nimbostratus ("rainstorm layer") clouds form a low, dark layer of gray cloud that usually produces light but continuous rain, snow, or sleet (but not violent storms of the kind that give pure nimbus clouds their name). Anvil rollover – (slang) circular protrusion attached to underside of anvil. Not commonly seen with cumulus fractus or humilis. There are four different categories of clouds. It is a low-level cloud, thus it usually forms within the lowest two kilometers (6,600 ft) of the atmosphere.Like its 'middle-level brother' the altocumulus cloud stratocumulus are … If it is small, then it is obviously higher up and an altocumulus cloud. The genus types and some sub-types associated with each variety are sorted in the left column from top to bottom in approximate descending order of average overall altitude range. Thin scattered wispy cloud resembling cirrus through which the planet's surface can be seen. Clouds of the genus stratocumulus are lumpy, often forming in slightly unstable air, and they can produce very light rain or drizzle. If the cloud is about the size of your fist, then it is stratocumulus. It is the way the winds vary with altitude that tends to cause these formations. Asperitas – "Roughness": A highly disturbed and chaotic wave feature occasionally seen with a stratocumulus or altocumulus cloud. Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus (V-30), Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus (V-31), Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus radiatus (V-33), Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus radiatus (V-34), Altocumulus stratiformis opacus radiatus (V-35), Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus duplicatus (V-36), Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus duplicatus (V-37), Altocumulus stratiformis opacus duplicatus (V-38), Altocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (V-39), Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus undulatus (V-41), Altocumulus stratiformis opacus undulatus (V-42), Altocumulus lenticularis undulatus (V-43), Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus lacunosus (V-44), Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus lacunosus (V-45), Altocumulus stratiformis opacus lacunosus (V-46). Stratocumulus (Sc) - the name derives from the latin words stratus = flattened layer or spread out and cumulus = mass or heap. In section seven, extraterrestrial clouds can be found in the atmospheres of other planets in our solar system and beyond. Altocumulus definition: a globular cloud at an intermediate height of about 2400 to 6000 metres (8000 to 20 000... | Meaning, pronunciation, translations and examples Electricity in clouds and induced magnetism. Can I buy a timeshare off ebay for $1 then deed it back to the timeshare company and go on a vacation for $1, Layover/Transit in Japan Narita Airport during Covid-19. Clouds of the genus stratus form in low horizontal layers having a ragged or uniform base. Learn more. Embedded convective cells that can produce lightning. Historically, in English, this typ… They appear similar to stratocumulus but the elements are generally more detached and less wide at the base. According to the WMO, your answer is as follows. Earth Science Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for those interested in the geology, meteorology, oceanography, and environmental sciences. Cumulus cataractagenitus; generated by the spray from waterfalls. Allmost everyone has difficulty differentiating Ac from Sc because, apart from the obvious low clouds, you can't accurately discern a cloud's height purely from looking at it. harvnb error: no target: CITEREFDoughertyEsposito2009 (, Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus, International Civil Aviation Organization, "Nacreous and polar stratospheric clouds", "Automated CB and TCU detection using radar and satellite data: from research to application", "Cataractagenitus International Cloud Atlas Section 2.1.3.6.5", http://cimss.ssec.wisc.edu/goes/blog/archives/555, "Mysterious waves seen in Venus's clouds", National Aeronautics and Space Administration, "NASA SP-441: Viking Orbiter Views of Mars", "Neptune's Atmosphere: Composition, Climate, & Weather", http://nephology.eu International Cloud Atlas online, Introduction to Clouds (National Weather Service), Ten Basic Cloud Types (National Weather Service), Nitric acid and water polar stratospheric clouds, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_cloud_types&oldid=993128907, Short description is different from Wikidata, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Why does G-Major work well within a C-Minor progression? Lacunosus – "Full of holes": Thin stratocumuliform cloud distinguished by holes and ragged edges. [19], Wave clouds with clear gaps through which lower stratiform layers may be seen.[20]. Cumulus tuba (WMO genus and supplementary feature) – column hanging from the bottom of cumulus. If it is, then they are altocumulus clouds. windows2universe.org/earth/Atmosphere/clouds/…. The WMO International Cloud Atlas is the reference for the classification of clouds and meteorological meteors. In practical terms you can spot the difference by observing the size of cloudlets - individual cloud puffs that can often be seen with a repeating pattern in Altocumulus formations. Clouds of the genus nimbostratus tend to bring constant precipitation and low visibility. Cumulus congestus clouds extend into the middle troposphere, while deep, precipitating cumuliform clouds that extend throughout the troposphere are called cumulonimbus. Small cumulus are commonly grouped with the low clouds because they do not show significant vertical extent. Debris cloud (informal term) – rotating "cloud" of debris found at base of, Hail fog (informal term) – a shallow surface layer of. The species are sorted from left to right in approximate ascending order of instability or vertical extent of the forms to which each belongs: (1)=Stratiform species, (2)=Cirriform species, (3)=Stratocumuliform species, (4)=Cumuliform species, (5)=Cumulonimbiform species. The exceptions comprise the following: Altostratus that have varieties but no species so the applicable boxes are marked without specific species names; cumulus congestus, a species that has its own altitude characteristic but no varieties; cumulonimbus that have species but no varieties, and nimbostratus that has no species or varieties. [26][27], Clouds layers made mostly of methane gas.[28]. Continued upward growth suggests showers later in the day. They share almost all of the same cloud species , cloud varieties , and other cloud features . To distinguish between a stratocumulus and an altocumulus cloud, point your hand toward the cloud. It should therefore be seen as an illustration of how the various cloud types are related to each other at all altitudes from surface-level to the "edge of space", rather than as a strict classification per se. Cumulonimbogenitus – spreading out or partial transformation of cumulonimbus. How to develop a musical ear when you can't seem to get in the game? These thick clouds are listed in approximate descending order of altitude of the cloud tops. Stratocumulus definition, a cloud of a class characterized by large dark, rounded masses, usually in groups, lines, or waves, the individual elements being larger than those in altocumulus and the whole being at a lower altitude, usually below 8,000 feet (2,400 meters). MathJax reference. A count of basic tropospheric variants that result from the division and subdivision of genus types into species and varieties is shown as a number in parentheses from V-1 (variant 1) through V-92 after each variety, after nimbostratus that has no sub-types, and after certain species that are not always dividable into varieties. Only light rain (usually drizzle) falls from stratocumulus clouds. Fem grader motsvarar ungefär bredden av tre fingrar när armen är utsträckt. Cavum – "Hole": Supercooled altocumulus or cirrocumulus distinguished by a hole with ragged edges and virga or wisps of cirrus. Humilis (Hum) – "Small": Applies to cumuliform (Cu hum) with little vertical extent; indicates relatively slight airmass instability.