© Akihito Umehara

Aomori airport, Japan

Latitude: 40° 44' 17'' N

Longitude: 140° 41' 19'' E

28 September 2012 0604 (Local Time)
Camera direction: towards WNW

Image P/S code: P.1.12

Image I.D.: 5037

C_L = 0, C_M = 3, C_H = 2

• Images & related info Other Images Images of 1987 edition
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  Cirrus spissatus mamma

  This is an outstanding example of a very thick, dense and large patch of Cirrus spissatus with mamma. The observation of Cirrus is confirmed by the cirriform top, ice crystal striations, shading (which is a common feature of thick spissatus) and a nearby upper-air sounding indicating cloud at 7 000 m.

  Trails of ice crystals can be seen on the back edge. The Cirrus appears to be the remains of the upper part of a Cumulonimbus; however, there was no Cumulonimbus activity in the area. Numerous small patches of thin Altocumulus are also present.

  Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.

  © Akihito Umehara
  Aomori airport, Japan
  Latitude: 40° 44' 17'' N
  Longitude: 140° 41' 19'' E
  28 September 2012 0604 (Local Time)
  
  
  Camera direction: towards WNW
  C_L = 0, C_M = 3, C_H = 2
  Image P/S code: P.1.12
  Image I.D.: 5037
• 
  © Japan Meteorological Agency
• 

  The sounding is from less than 2 hours after the photo was taken. There is a conclusive moisture signature at 424 hPa with a dew point depression of 2.1 °C.

  © University of Wyoming
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  © Japan Meteorological Agency
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  Cirrus spissatus mamma

  An example of Cirrus spissatus – the hanging protuberances below the cloud are the infrequently seen supplementary feature mamma.

  Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.

  © Alfons Puertas
  Vallvidrera, Barcelona, Spain
  Latitude: 41° 25' 6'' N
  Longitude: 2° 7' 27'' E
  06 June 2016 0000 (Local Time)
  
  
  Camera direction: towards S
  C_L = 0, C_M = 3, C_H = 2
  Image P/S code: S.1.12 1
  Image I.D.: 4812
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  Cirrus spissatus with mamma

  Cirrus are detached clouds in the form of white, delicate filaments or white or mostly white patches or narrow bands. They have a fibrous (hair-like) appearance or a silky sheen, or both. In this striking image, the Cirrus is in thick patches with a smooth surface and is sufficiently dense to appear greyish when viewed towards the Sun, which identifies the species as spissatus; patches may also veil the Sun, obscure its outline or even hide it. Of significance are two small but distinct areas with hanging protuberances like udders on the under surface of the cloud, seen at 2 and 3. These are the supplementary feature mamma.

  Links in the image description will highlight features on the image. Mouse over the features for more detail.

  © Hee Sang Yoo
  Gucheondong-ro, Seolcheon-myeon, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea
  Latitude: 35° 54' 28'' N
  Longitude: 127° 46' 1'' E
  09 September 2014 0000 (Local Time)
  
  
  C_L = 0, C_M = 0, C_H = 2
  Image P/S code: S.1.12 2
  Image I.D.: 5821