Altocumulus volutus is a type of altocumulus cloud. This cloud type has the appearance of a single, small, horizontal, rolling line, it is relatively rare compared with its counterpart stratocumulus volutus,[1] This cloud does not attach to any other cloud. It may or may not appear with altocumulus clouds of different species. When found in a thunderstorm, it forms when cold air from a thunderstorm's downdraft makes the already present warm and moist air rise, expanding and cooling as it rises. It then condenses, although the most likely scenario is that it condenses into a shelf cloud or roll cloud, rather than an altocumulus volutus cloud.[2] When found in environments where it is not associated with a thunderstorm, it forms because of wind shear (difference of wind speed and direction between the mid-levels of the atmosphere and the surface).[3]

Altocumulus volutus
Distant altocumulus volutus cloud
AbbreviationAc vol
GenusAltocumulus
SpeciesVolutus
Altitude2,000-7,000 m
(7,000-23,000 ft)
Appearancesmall, single, horizontal, rolling mid-level altocumulus line
PrecipitationNone

References

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  1. ^ "Volutus". International Cloud Atlas.
  2. ^ "Arcus cloud". Met Office. Retrieved 2021-11-19.
  3. ^ "Volutus". SKYbrary Aviation Safety. July 19, 2021.