Cirrus intortus
Ci inHigh clouds
6.0 - 12.0 km altitude
Variety
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Cirrus intortus
© wetterkurs.ch
Description
The name "intortus" (Latin for tangled) describes the characteristic, corkscrew-like shape of these clouds. Cirrus intortus often appears as fine, thin streaks or filaments in the sky, arranged in irregular, tangled patterns. These clouds consist mainly of ice crystals and are found high in the atmosphere.
Identification Features
- Often appears in the form of tangled, corkscrew-like filaments
- Usually white and translucent
- Frequently forms during high-pressure weather conditions
- Can serve as an early warning of an approaching change in weather
- Often found at high altitudes (above 6,000 meters)
Occurrence by genus
Highlighted: all genera with which intortus occurs.
Meteorological Significance
Cirrus intortus can indicate atmospheric stability, but it is also a precursor to approaching weather fronts. When these clouds appear, it may signal changing conditions. Meteorologists often observe them to detect changes in the weather forecast at an early stage.
Facts
- WMO-Code
- Ci in
- Height layer
- High clouds
- Typical height
- 6.0 - 12.0 km
- Genus
- CIRRUS