cirrostratus cloud
Definition
Noun: A cirrostratus cloud is a type of high-altitude cloud that appears as a thin, whitish, and often transparent sheet or layer, covering a large part of the sky. It is composed of ice crystals and can create halo phenomena around the sun or moon.
Usage
- Cirrostratus cloud is typically used as a countable noun in meteorological contexts to describe a specific cloud formation.
- It often indicates a change in weather, usually the approach of a warm front.
Examples
- The sky was covered by a cirrostratus cloud, creating a faint ring around the sun.
- Meteorologists noted that the appearance of cirrostratus clouds often precedes rain within the next 24 hours.
- It was difficult to see the moon clearly through the veil of the cirrostratus cloud.
Advanced Usage
- In weather forecasting: The presence of cirrostratus clouds is a key indicator for forecasters.
- The gradual thickening of cirrostratus clouds into altostratus is a classic sign of an approaching warm front.
Variants and Related Words
- Cirrostratus (noun): This is the standard abbreviated form used in meteorology and general contexts. "Cirrostratus cloud" and "cirrostratus" are often used interchangeably.
- The weather report mentions high cirrostratus moving in from the west.
- Cs (abbreviation): The standard international abbreviation for cirrostratus in weather maps and reports.
Synonyms
- Veil cloud: A descriptive synonym emphasizing its thin, sheet-like appearance.
- High sheet cloud: A non-technical term describing its altitude and form.
Related Terms and Concepts
- Halo: A ring of light around the sun or moon, frequently produced by the ice crystals in cirrostratus clouds.
- Warm front: A boundary where a warm air mass replaces a cold one; cirrostratus clouds are often the first clouds observed ahead of it.
- Cirrus: A related cloud type that is wispy and fibrous, often found at similar high altitudes.
- Altostratus: A mid-level cloud layer that cirrostratus clouds can thicken into.
Noun
-
a thin uniform layer of hazy cloud at high altitude
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