Cirrocumulus cloud
A high-level cloud composed of small white patches of ice crystals or supercooled water, often arranged in ripples or rows.
Cloud classification: A system for grouping clouds by their form, altitude, and characteristic structure. Cirrocumulus is one of the ten principal cloud genera in the international classification.
Atmospheric wave: A disturbance that propagates through the atmosphere, producing alternating regions of motion and pressure. Wave motions can organize cirrocumulus into repeated bands or ripples.
Cirrus cloud: A high cloud made of thin, wispy ice-crystal filaments. Cirrus appears fibrous, unlike cirrocumulus's compact patches and ripples.
International Cloud Atlas: The World Meteorological Organization's reference for cloud classification and observation. It defines cirrocumulus and its recognized species and supplementary features.
High cloud: A cloud whose base forms in the upper troposphere, where temperatures are generally below freezing. Cirrocumulus belongs to the high-cloud family alongside cirrus and cirrostratus.
Atmospheric instability: A condition in which displaced air continues to move because its density differs from surrounding air. Instability can generate the small convective elements visible in cirrocumulus.
Cirrostratus cloud: A high, thin cloud sheet composed mainly of ice crystals. Cirrostratus forms a veil, while cirrocumulus is broken into small elements.
Cloud observation: The systematic description of clouds by their appearance, altitude, and atmospheric setting. Cirrocumulus identification relies on observing its small elements and high-level character.
Ice crystal: A solid particle of water with a crystalline structure. Ice crystals make up much of cirrocumulus in its cold upper-atmosphere setting.
Orographic wave: An atmospheric wave generated when stable air flows over elevated terrain. Mountain-generated waves can produce rows of cirrocumulus downwind.