Closing the section of high clouds, along with the cirrus y Cirrostratus, we are dealing on this occasion with the cirrocumulus o CirrocumulusThis type of cloud consists of a bank, thin layer or sheet of white, shadowless clouds, composed of very small elements in the form of grains, curls, clumps, ripples, joined or separated and distributed with greater or lesser regularity. Most of the elements have a apparent width less than 1º.
Cirrocumulus clouds are made up of ice crystals, which gives them their characteristic appearance. Their formation process is similar to that of Cirrus and Cirrostratus. However, Cirrocumulus clouds reveal the presence of instability at the level at which they are found, and which gives these clouds their cumuliform appearance. Due to their composition, Cirrocumulus are one of the most beautiful and spectacular clouds that can be observed in the sky. However, their low frequency of occurrence makes them difficult to witness. Their altitude varies between 7 and 12 km.
In terms of weather prediction, unless these increase significantly over time, they do not usually indicate an imminent change in the weather. However, they do occasionally appear in association with jet streams at high altitudes, known as Jet Stream, which can influence the atmospheric conditions of the regions they pass through. It is important not to confuse them with the altocumulus, which have a similar appearance but are found at lower altitudes, are gray in color and have larger constituent elements. For more information on this type of cloud, you can consult the article on Altocumulus.
An interesting aspect of Cirrocumulus is its difficulty in being photographed. Because they are made up of tiny grains of ice that are not visually distinguishable from a distance, their photography must be taken from a very zenithal position, that is, directly below the cloud. The use of a polarizing filter can considerably improve the contrast with the sky, helping to highlight its beautiful shapes.
There are several species and varieties within Cirrocumulus. They can be distinguished four species: Stratiformis, Lenticular, Castellanus y Floccus. In addition, they are classified into two varieties: Undulatus y Lacunosus.
Characteristics and Formation of Cirrocumulus
Cirrocumulus clouds generally form in specific atmospheric conditions, mainly from the freezing of small water droplets in cold air at high altitudes. Unlike other clouds, their formation is not directly associated with thunderstorms or severe weather conditions, but they often arise in more stable climates. Its disturbed and sometimes wavy appearance is due to the interaction of wind at different altitudes, creating patterns that sometimes resemble fish scales.
Cirrocumulus clouds frequently appear in the sky alongside Cirrus and Cirrostratus clouds. Together, these clouds can signal the arrival of a warm forehead, and although Cirrocumulus clouds alone are difficult to interpret in terms of weather forecasting, their presence can be an indicator of instability, especially if they appear scattered across the sky. To better understand these phenomena, it is useful to know the types of clouds which may accompany Cirrocumulus.
Cirrocumulus Photography and Observation
Cirrocumulus cloud photography presents certain challenges, mainly due to their size and the way they are distributed in the sky. To capture them effectively, it is advisable to use a telephoto o superzoom that allows you to get a closer look at these fine clumps of clouds. Lighting also plays a crucial role; the best photographs are achieved when the sun is low on the horizon, producing a play of light and shadow that highlights the textures of the cloud.
Here are some photography tips Cirrocumulus clouds:
- Use a polarizing filter to increase contrast and color saturation.
- Take advantage of the golden light, preferably during sunrise or sunset to highlight the details of the cloud texture.
- Look for patterns in the sky, and try to capture the clouds with a reference element, such as trees or mountains, to provide context.
Cirrocumulus Species and Varieties
Cirrocumulus species and varieties are differentiated by their shape and grouping:
- StratiformisThese clouds take on a layer-like appearance that evenly covers a large portion of the sky.
- Lenticular: They are lens-shaped and are commonly observed in areas mountainous, where cold air meets moving warm air.
- Castellanus: These clouds show moderate vertical development, often appearing small floating castles in the sky.
- Floccus: Formed by small cloud flakes that can be irregular and dispersed.
As for varieties, Undulatus refers to clouds that have regular undulations, while Lacunosus It is characterized by having spaces or gaps, which gives them a net or mesh appearance.
Meteorological Significance of Cirrocumulus
The meteorological significance of Cirrocumulus clouds can vary depending on their context in the sky. Often, their presence can signal instability in the atmosphere, allowing additional moisture to form at various altitudes. This moisture can occasionally lead to light precipitation, although it is not always a clear indicator of imminent rain.
When Cirrocumulus occurs alongside Cirrus and Cirrostratus, it may be a sign of the arrival of a warm forehead, which could indicate changes in the weather in the coming hours or days. However, if they appear on their own, they are generally not associated with any significant meteorological phenomenon.
In terms of temperature, the base of these clouds is commonly located between -20 and -60 degrees Celsius, so the crystals that compose them are very fragile and easy to disperse, which also explains their thin, ethereal appearance.
Differentiation between Cirrocumulus and Altocumulus
Cirrocumulus is often confused with Altocumulus, but there are notable differences between the two. While Cirrocumulus are high, thin, pure white clouds, Altocumulus are lower-lying clouds, taking on more voluminous, grayish shapes with their own shadows. Altocumulus clouds have a more pronounced vertical development and can signal imminent weather or atmospheric instability.
The key to differentiating them is to observe the altitude and shadowIf the cloud is thin, white, and high in altitude, it's probably Cirrocumulus. If it's denser, grayer, and lower in altitude, it's Altocumulus.
It is important to note that observing the sky and recognizing the different types of clouds, including identifying Cirrocumulus, is a valuable skill for those who want to learn more about meteorology, especially for mountaineers y outdoor enthusiasts, as it allows them to anticipate changes in the weather and prepare appropriately.