Fractus cloud

Fractus Clouds (also known as scud) are small, ragged cloud fragments that are usually found under an ambient cloud base. They are often associated with cumulus and stratus clouds but can occur under almost any type of cloud. These clouds do not have a specific shape or form, making them easily distinguishable from more structured types. Fractus clouds are indicative of turbulent air and are often seen in conditions of strong atmospheric instability.

Formation

Fractus clouds form when cooler air at the surface is lifted and condenses into cloud fragments. This process can occur due to various reasons, such as when air is lifted over higher ground, or when cold air flows over warmer surfaces. The turbulent nature of the air in which fractus clouds form often leads to their ragged appearance. Unlike other cloud types, fractus clouds do not have a significant vertical development due to their formation in relatively stable air beneath other cloud bases.

Characteristics

Fractus clouds are characterized by their small size, irregular shape, and lack of a defined structure. They are typically low in the atmosphere and appear as patches or shreds of clouds. The color of fractus clouds can range from white to gray, depending on the time of day and the amount of light being reflected or absorbed by the cloud.

Types

There are two main types of fractus clouds:

• Cumulus Fractus: These are small, broken pieces of cumulus clouds that have been shredded by the wind. They often appear in unstable atmospheric conditions and can be a precursor to the development of larger cumulus clouds.
• Stratus Fractus: These are fragments of stratus clouds that appear ragged or torn. They are typically seen in more stable conditions and can indicate the presence of low-level turbulence.

Significance

While fractus clouds themselves do not directly lead to significant weather phenomena, their presence can indicate certain atmospheric conditions. For example, the appearance of cumulus fractus can suggest the potential for convective cloud development and possibly precipitation. On the other hand, stratus fractus can indicate turbulent air near the surface, which may affect aviation operations.

Observation and Study

Meteorologists and cloud enthusiasts observe fractus clouds to gain insights into the atmospheric conditions that lead to their formation. These observations can help in understanding local weather patterns and predicting short-term weather changes. Fractus clouds are also a subject of interest in the field of cloud photography due to their unique and often dramatic appearances.

See Also

• Cloud classification
• Cumulus clouds
• Stratus clouds
• Atmospheric instability