ALTOCUMULUS CLOUD Meaning and
Definition
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An altocumulus cloud refers to a type of mid-level cloud that appears as a white or gray layer or patch in the sky. It is characterized by its distinct rounded masses with a textured appearance, resembling small cotton balls or flattened saucers. Altocumulus clouds typically form between 6,500 and 20,000 feet (2,000 to 6,000 meters) above ground level, lying in the middle altitude range. They are predominantly composed of water droplets, but may also contain ice crystals depending on the temperature.
Altocumulus clouds form due to vertical air motion caused by a combination of warming and rising air currents, as well as convergence and lifting of moist air masses. These clouds often appear before a weather change, serving as an indicator of an approaching warm front or slight instability in the atmosphere. Although they rarely evolve into significant storm systems, altocumulus clouds contribute to the overall appearance of the sky and can occasionally enhance the colors during sunrise or sunset.
Altocumulus clouds can take various forms, such as altocumulus castellanus with turret-like towers, altocumulus lenticularis with lens-shaped structures, or altocumulus floccus with smaller, more isolated masses. Their presence often indicates a relatively stable atmospheric environment, making them less likely to develop into thunderstorms or intense precipitation. However, they can sometimes be associated with light rain or snow showers when their vertical extent increases, and typically dissipate over time without much impact on the weather.
Common Misspellings for ALTOCUMULUS CLOUD
- zltocumulus cloud
- sltocumulus cloud
- wltocumulus cloud
- qltocumulus cloud
- aktocumulus cloud
- aptocumulus cloud
- aotocumulus cloud
- alrocumulus cloud
- alfocumulus cloud
- algocumulus cloud
- alyocumulus cloud
- al6ocumulus cloud
- al5ocumulus cloud
- alticumulus cloud
- altkcumulus cloud
- altlcumulus cloud
- altpcumulus cloud
- alt0cumulus cloud
- alt9cumulus cloud
Etymology of ALTOCUMULUS CLOUD
The word "altocumulus" is derived from Latin and has its roots in two Latin words:
1. "Altus" meaning "high" or "elevated".
2. "Cumulus" meaning "heap" or "pile".
When combined, "alto" (from "altus") refers to the middle-level clouds occurring between 6,500 to 20,000 feet (2,000 to 6,000 meters) in altitude. While "cumulus" describes the cloud's puffy or cotton-like appearance, giving it the characteristic stacked or heaped structure of individual cloud elements.
Similar spelling word for ALTOCUMULUS CLOUD
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