Cirrus: What are, how are they formed, classification and meaning

Cirrus are a Type of cloud that is formed in the high layers of the atmospheregenerally at altitudes greater than 6,000 meters. These clouds are easily recognizable for their delicate and fibrous appearance, similar to Hair strands or feathers. Its color is usually bright white, since they are almost exclusively composed of ice crystals due to low temperatures in the heights where they are formed.

WHAT ARE CIRROSTRATS

Cirrostrarates are a subtype of cirrus clouds that are characterized by their more uniform and extended appearanceoften covering large areas of the sky with a thin and translucent layer. These clouds are formed at altitudes similar to those of cirrus.

One of the most distinctive characteristics of cirrostrates is their ability to create halos around the sun or moon. Cirrostrages usually appear before the arrival of more complex weather systems, such as warm fronts or storms. Its presence indicates that there is a considerable amount of moisture in the upper atmospherewhat can be a precursor of rainfall later.

What are the circouble

Circummers are another subtype of cirrous clouds that are distinguished by their Appearance of small and white grouped formationsoften with a wavy or mottled appearance that can remind the scales of a fish. These clouds are also formed at high altitudes, typically above 6,000 meters, where temperatures are low enough to form ice crystals.

Unlike cirrostrates, circoumes do not cover extensive areas of heaven uniformly. Instead, They appear in patches or rowsgiving the sky a distinctive texture. This fragmented appearance is due to ascending and descending air currents in the upper atmosphere, which create small warm and cold air bags, leading to the formation of these clouds.

A remarkable feature of circouble is their ability to create a visual effect known as “mackerel sky”due to its regular and grouped pattern. This phenomenon is not only interesting from an aesthetic point of view, but can also be used by climate observers to better understand atmospheric conditions.

1. For cirrus to form, it is necessary that wet air rises to great altitudes. This can occur by several mechanisms, such as convection, air convergence at low levels, or ascending movement associated with meteorological fronts. As the air rises, expands and cools due to the lower atmospheric pressure at major altitudes.
2. In the altitudes where cirrus are formed, temperatures are extremely lowusually below -20 ° C. Under these conditions, water vapor condenses directly in ice crystals instead of liquid water drops.
3. The Ice crystals are formed from the water vapor that is condensed in small particles of aerosols present in the atmosphere, such as dust, sea salt or particles of biological origin. These ice crystals grow as more water vapor is deposited on them, giving rise to the fibrous and delicate structure of the cirrus.
4. Once formed, cirrus can be dispersed and molded by winds in the upper troposphere. Air currents at these altitudes are generally strong and can stretch and extend ice crystals, creating the typical thin and elongated shapes that characterize cirrus.

You may be interested in this article about how clouds are formed.

The classification of cirrus is based on their visual characteristics and the structures that form in heaven. There are several subtypes of cirrus, each with their own particularities:

Cirrus

Cirrus are the basic type of cirrus, characterized by their thin, fibrous and white appearance. These clouds usually look similar to hair strands or feathers, and are formed at great altitudes. Cirrus are divided into several subtypes:

• Cirrus Fibratus: This subtype has long and thin filaments that are often aligned in parallel or irregularly dispersed.
• CIRRUS UNCINUS: These cirrus have the appearance of hooks or coma, with a narrow base that curves up. Often, they are known as “horse tails” and can also be indicative of a change over time.
• Cirrus Spissatus: This subtype is dense and thick than other cirrus, which gives them a more opaque appearance. Cirrus spissatus usually associate with storm clouds in solution.

Cirrostratus

Cirrostrates are clouds that form a uniform and thin layer that can cover the entire sky. These clouds are usually translucent and allow the sun or the moon to look through them, creating halos. CIRROSTRATES are also subdivided into:

• Cirrostratus nebulosus: This subtype is presented as a continuous and homogeneous layer of clouds, without distinctive characteristics. Nebulous cirrostrats are responsible for the formation of halos around the sun or the moon.
• Cirrostratus fibratus: Similar to Cirrus fibratus, but forming a more extensive and thinner layer.

Circumulus

Circummers are clouds that appear as small lumps or white blood cells, arranged in groups or rows, with a mottled or undulating appearance. Circummers are classified into several subtypes:

• Circumulus stratiformis: This subtype is presented in extended layers that cover parts of the sky, with small individual clouds grouped uniformly.
• Circumulus lenticularis: These clouds have a lenticular or lens shape, and are less common than other types of circoum. Its formation is associated with mountains or hills, where ascending and descending air flows create undulating patterns.
• Cirrocumulus castellanus: These clouds have towers or structures that rise from their base, giving them a more vertical appearance. Castellanus circouble can be an indication of atmospheric and potential instability for storms.

Cirrus are often precursors of changes over time. Your appearance can Point out the arrival of warm fronts, cold fronts or low pressure systems. This is because cirrus are formed at the upper altitudes of the troposphere, where atmospheric conditions can change rapidly.

The arrival of cirrus can be a sign of a warm front that is approaching. As warm and humid air rises over cold air, cirrus are formed, followed by cirros and, eventually, highs and nimbostrates that can bring rains.

The presence of Cirrus Uncinus, which has a hook form, can indicate the approximation of a cold front or severe storms. These cirrus are formed due to intense ascending currents associated with developing storms. The presence of cirrus can also indicate conditions of Atmospheric stability in the upper layers of the atmosphere.

Now that you know what cirrus are and how they form, do not miss this article where we explain the different types of clouds: names, characteristics and photos.

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