2011-08-13

Cirrus vertebratus

Cirrus vertebratus

Cirrus vertebratus
Cirrus vertebratus cloud
Cirrus vertebratus cloud
Abbreviation Ci ve
Symbol CH 1.png
Genus Cirrus (curl of hair)
Species vertebratus (like a spinal column)
Altitude Above 6,000 m
(Above 20,000 ft)
Classification Family A (High-level)
Appearance looks like a spinal column or a fish skeleton
Precipitation cloud? No

Cirrus vertebratus is a type of cirrus cloud. The name cirrus vertebratus is derived from Latin, meaning "jointed, articulated, vertebrated". Like cirrus intortus, the vertebratus species is exclusive to the cirrus genus. Cirrus vertebratus gives the impression of vertebre in a spinal column ribs, or a fish skeleton.

The species is an unusual form of Cirrus clouds and is formed by air moving parallel to the main cloud line. The gaps in the cloud occur where air is descending, while the "ribs" of the cloud correspond with areas of uplift. Their occurrence appears to be connected with the location of the jet stream.

See also

List of cloud types

References

External links






Retrieved from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cirrus_vertebratus