ALTOCUMULUS Meaning and
Definition
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Altocumulus is a type of cloud that belongs to the middle level of the earth's atmosphere, specifically the altocumulus cloud family. These clouds are characterized by being located between 6,500 to 20,000 feet (2,000 to 6,000 meters) above sea level. They typically appear as white or grayish patches, sheets, or waves that span large areas of the sky.
Altocumulus clouds are composed of water droplets and, occasionally, ice crystals. These clouds form due to the upward movement of moist air, often associated with the presence of a weather system, an approaching warm front, or a disturbance in the atmosphere. They usually develop in stable atmospheric conditions, which means that the air is relatively calm and not prone to rapid vertical movement.
The most distinctive feature of altocumulus clouds is their wave-like or globular appearance. They often have round shapes, similar to cotton balls, and can be arranged in rows or layers. Occasionally, altocumulus clouds merge and form a solid layer, which is known as altocumulus stratiformis.
These clouds are generally associated with fair weather conditions, indicating that changes in the weather may be approaching. They can serve as a precursor to the formation of storm clouds, particularly when they appear lower in the sky and become thicker and darker. However, altocumulus clouds themselves do not usually produce significant precipitation, although they may occasionally result in light showers or drizzle.
Common Misspellings for ALTOCUMULUS
- zltocumulus
- sltocumulus
- wltocumulus
- qltocumulus
- aktocumulus
- aptocumulus
- aotocumulus
- alrocumulus
- alfocumulus
- algocumulus
- alyocumulus
- al6ocumulus
- al5ocumulus
- alticumulus
- altkcumulus
- altlcumulus
- altpcumulus
- alt0cumulus
- alt9cumulus
Etymology of ALTOCUMULUS
The word "altocumulus" is derived from two Latin components: "alto" and "cumulus".
1. "Alto" comes from the Latin word "altus", meaning "high" or "upper". It indicates a middle-level cloud formation as altocumulus clouds typically reside at an intermediate altitude between low-level and high-level clouds.
2. "Cumulus" also originates from Latin and means "heap" or "pile". It refers to the rounded, fluffy nature of cumulus clouds, including altocumulus clouds.
Therefore, the term "altocumulus" essentially combines these two Latin words to describe a specific type of cloud formation characterized by its middle-level altitude and the piled or heaped appearance of the clouds.
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