Altostratus undulatus

Altostratus undulatus is a species of altostratus cloud with parallel, wave-like bands or undulations, produced by variations in the cloud layer.

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Atmospheric gravity wave: A wave in the atmosphere in which buoyancy acts as the restoring force after air is displaced vertically. Vertical oscillations can create the repeated cloud bands characteristic of this species.
Cloud genus: A primary rank in the international classification of clouds, grouping clouds by broad form and height. Altostratus identifies the genus to which this species belongs.
Altocumulus undulatus: A species of altocumulus marked by rows or ripples of cloud elements. It shares the wave pattern but consists of altocumulus rather than a broad altostratus sheet.
Cloud observation: The systematic identification and description of clouds by visual observation or instruments. Observers record the genus, species, and visible structure of this cloud.
Wind shear: A change in wind speed or direction across distance, including with height. Differences in airflow through the cloud layer can organize its undulations.
Cloud species: A cloud-classification rank describing a cloud's distinctive shape or internal structure. Undulatus names the structural pattern that distinguishes this altostratus.
Altostratus translucidus: A species of altostratus thin enough for the Sun or Moon to show through as through ground glass. It is classified by transparency, whereas undulatus is classified by its wave-like structure.
Synoptic meteorology: The study of large-scale weather systems using observations collected across broad regions. Altostratus patterns contribute to descriptions of cloud shields within weather systems.
Orographic wave: An atmospheric wave generated when stable air flows over elevated terrain. Terrain-driven waves can produce wave patterns in middle-level cloud layers.
Middle clouds: Clouds whose bases generally lie between about 2 and 7 kilometers, with boundaries varying by latitude. Altostratus is classified among clouds of the middle levels.