Science / Weather / Altocumulus: Composed of flattened, thick, gray, globular masses, this middle cloud genus is primarily made of water droplets. In the mid-latitudes, cloud bases are usually found between 8,000 and 18,000 feet. A defining characteristic is that it often appears as a wavy billowy layer of cloud, giving it the nickname of 'sheep' or 'woolpack' clouds. Sometimes confused with cirrocumulus clouds, its elements (individual clouds) have a larger mass and cast a shadow on other elements. It may form several sub-types, such as altocumulus castellanus or altocumulus lenticularis. Virga may also fall from these clouds.
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Science / Weather / Altocumulus Castellanus: A middle cloud with vertical development that forms from altocumulus clouds. It is composed primarily of ice crystals in its higher portions and characterized by its turrets, protuberances, or crenela MORE
Science / Weather / Virga: Streaks or wisps of precipitation, such as water or ice particles, that fall from clouds but evaporate before reaching the ground. From a distance, the event sometimes may be mistaken for a funnel clo MORE
Science / Weather / Rotor Cloud: An altocumulus cloud formation that can be found in the lee of a mountain or similar barrier. The air rotates around a horizontal axis, creating turbulence. Altocumulus lenticularis is an example. MORE