Cloud Types: High and Middle Clouds

Vocabulary flashcards covering high- and middle-altitude cloud types and related phenomena from the lecture notes.

Cirrus (Ci)

Very high, thin clouds that look like curls of white hair or feathers; usually a sign of approaching bad weather.

Cirrocumulus (Cc)

Ripples or waves in high-altitude clouds; often forms a pattern known as a Mackerel Sky.

Cirrostratus (Cs)

A white veil in the sky through which the sun and moon are visible, often with a halo; frequently indicates an approaching warm front.

Altocumulus (Ac)

Middle-altitude cloud forming a layer or series of rounded masses that may appear in groups or lines; virga mainly comes from these clouds.

Altocumulus Castellanus (Acc)

A listed middle-cloud type: Altocumulus Castellanus.

Altostratus (As)

A middle-cloud type listed under middle clouds.

Middle Clouds (M)

Clouds at middle altitude composed of ice crystals or water droplets which may be above freezing or supercooled.

Virga

Precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground; mainly associated with Altocumulus clouds.