Cirrocumulus lacunosus | |
---|---|
Abbreviation | Cc la |
Symbol | |
Genus | Cirro- (curl) -cumulus (heaped) |
Variety | lacunosus (full of gaps) |
Altitude | Above 6,000 m (Above 20,000 ft) |
Appearance | Perforated with round, frayed holes [1] |
Precipitation | Virga only |
Cirrocumulus lacunosus also known as Cirrocumulus lacunar or Cirrocumulus lacunaris [2] is a type of cirrocumulus cloud. The term lacunosus is from Latin, meaning "full of hollows". [3] Cirrocumulus lacunosus is a relatively rare cloud form that occurs as a layer of cloud with circular holes in it. Formation is commonly attributed to a cool layer mixing with a warmer, higher layer of the atmosphere. [4] [5] These holes normally have frayed edges, and they are often arranged in a manner that resembles a net or a honeycomb. [6]
This term applies mainly to Cirrocumulus and Altocumulus; it may also apply, though very rarely, to Stratocumulus. [7]