Cloud A Day question

[Don Hatfield]

I would have thought the CAD for 26-October-2024 would be a stratocumulus. What about the cloud identifies it conclusively as Altocumulus?

[Haoting He]

The individual clouds in Altocumulus have clear boundaries between them, and each cloud appears smaller than cumulus. Stratocumulus, on the other hand, are often connected, making them look larger, and the boundaries between clouds are relatively indistinct.

[Don Hatfield]

Thanks.

I had thought that the main difference between stratocumulus and altocumulus was the height of the cloud. Stratocumulus, being nearer the ground makes the “clumps” look bigger; altocumulus, being higher, made the “clumps” appear smaller. Clear or indistinct boundaries between the individual clouds could occur in either cloud type.

Further, ICA uses a phrase ”  . . . . which may or may not be merged . . . ” as part of the definition of both types of cloud.

So –

I’m confused when boundaries seem to be integral to your response. Perhaps I’m focusing on the wrong thing; can you elaborate a bit more on your definition ?

 

[Shannon Norman]

Thank you Don! I had the exact same question pop into my head when I read Saturday’s CAD. I’m curious to hear more on this as I too thought it was Stratocumulus.

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