Cirrus vertebratus
Form of cirrus cloud
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Cirrus vertebratus is a type of cirrus cloud. The name cirrus vertebratus is derived from Latin, meaning "jointed, articulated, vertebrated".[2] Like cirrus intortus, the vertebratus variety is exclusive to the cirrus genus.[3] Cirrus vertebratus gives the impression of vertebrae in a spinal column, ribs, or a fish skeleton.[4]
AbbreviationCi ve
GenusCirrus (curl)
Varietyvertebratus (jointed)
AltitudeAbove 6,000 m
(Above 20,000 ft)
(Above 20,000 ft)
| Cirrus vertebratus | |
|---|---|
Cirrus vertebratus cloud | |
| Abbreviation | Ci ve |
| Symbol |  |
| Genus | Cirrus (curl) |
| Variety | vertebratus (jointed) |
| Altitude | Above 6,000 m (Above 20,000 ft) |
| Classification | Family A (High-level) |
| Appearance | looks like a spinal column or a fish skeleton[1] |
| Precipitation | No |
The variety is an unusual form of cirrus clouds and is formed by air moving parallel to the main cloud line. The gaps in the cloud occur where air is descending, while the "ribs" of the cloud correspond with areas of uplift. Their occurrence appears to be connected with the location of the jet stream.[5]