Cumulus fractus
Cumulus fractus is a species of cumulus cloud recognized by its ragged, fragmented, and wispy appearance, often resembling torn shreds drifting at low altitudes.
Origin Story
The name cumulus fractus derives from Latin, where "cumulus" means "heap" or "pile" and "fractus" means "broken" or "fragmented." This species was first described in the early 19th century by Luke Howard and later formalized in the World Meteorological Organization's International Cloud Atlas, reflecting its place as a ragged form within the cumulus genus.
Classification
Cumulus fractus belongs to the low-level cloud family as a species under the cumulus genus. It is distinguished from other cumulus species by its irregular, torn form and is officially abbreviated as Cu fra. In aviation reports, it is coded as CUFRA or FR for fractus species.
Appearance or Form
This cloud species appears as irregular, ragged, and wispy fragments with diffuse, uneven edges. Unlike the well-defined, rounded tops of typical cumulus clouds, cumulus fractus looks like torn shreds or wisps, often shifting rapidly in shape and size.
Behavior or Usage
Cumulus fractus forms through the mechanical breakup or erosion of larger cumulus clouds, driven by wind shear, turbulence, or evaporation. It often emerges during the early stages of convective cloud development or as clouds dissipate. While it poses minimal direct hazard, its presence signals atmospheric instability and can indicate turbulence relevant to aviation.
Merchandise & Prints
Bring this kind into your world � illustrated posters, mugs, and shirts.
Cumulus fractus Poster
Archival print, museum-grade paper
Buy Poster
Cumulus fractus Mug
Stoneware mug, dishwasher safe
Buy Mug
Cumulus fractus Shirt
Soft cotton tee, unisex sizes
Buy ShirtAttributes & Insights
Taxon-Specific Insights
🌍Cultural Significance
Though less prominent in art or mythology than other cloud types, cumulus fractus holds educational value in illustrating cloud lifecycle and atmospheric dynamics. It occasionally appears in weather lore as a sign of changing weather, but it remains primarily a scientific indicator rather than a cultural symbol.
📌Notable Facts
- Cumulus fractus is often called "ragged cumulus" or "shredded cumulus" due to its torn appearance.
- It is transient, frequently appearing and dissipating within minutes as weather conditions shift.
- Though generally non-precipitating, it can be associated with light drizzle when transitioning between cloud types.
- In some regions, it is colloquially referred to as "scud," a term more commonly applied to stratus fractus clouds.
- It is an important visual indicator of atmospheric turbulence and instability.
🌦️Formation Process Details
🌦️ Cumulus fractus forms primarily through mechanical breakup or erosion of larger cumulus clouds. Wind shear and turbulence disrupt the cloud’s structure, fragmenting it into ragged pieces. Evaporation can further thin and distort these fragments. Additionally, cumulus fractus may develop from the transformation of stratus fractus or during the initial stages of convective cloud formation, marking dynamic atmospheric changes.
Visual Variations
Composition & Context
Taxon-Specific Insights
🗺️Altitude And Distribution
🌐 Cumulus fractus is a low-level cloud species, typically forming between 500 and 2,000 meters above the surface. It occurs worldwide across all climates, especially in regions experiencing convective activity or variable winds that promote cloud fragmentation and instability.
⚠️Hazards And Safety
⚠️ While cumulus fractus clouds themselves are not hazardous, their presence often signals atmospheric instability and turbulence, which can affect aviation safety. Pilots monitor these clouds as indicators of changing weather conditions and potential turbulence, although the clouds rarely produce significant precipitation or severe weather.
🔭Observation And Measurement
🔍 Cumulus fractus is commonly observed visually and documented through ground-based photography. Its cloud base height can be measured using ceilometers or laser rangefinders. Satellite imagery also aids in identification, though distinguishing it from similar ragged clouds requires contextual information.
🛰️Satellite Imagery Signatures
🛰️ In satellite imagery, cumulus fractus appears as small, low-albedo, fragmented patches in visible light images. Its irregular, wispy nature makes it challenging to differentiate from stratus fractus without additional atmospheric context or higher-resolution data.