Clouds of the Day - Thursday, October 15, 2020

The cirrus in the photos below are showing off the hair-like filaments that give cirrus their name. These transparent clouds consist of ice crystals. The crystals are being swept along by high altitude winds above 16,000 feet. Look closely at the top photo reveals bands of cirrus that are perpendicular to the vertical streaks that dominate the photo. The vertical streaks are falling ice crystals. The perpendicular bands are caused by waves in the flow. The waves are similar to the waves we see on the ocean or in lakes.

The photo above shows streaks of cirrus mixed with waves. Just to the right of center are very small waves with more to the lower right that are difficult to see. Waves in the upper left are more distinct.