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Polar stratospheric cloud
Clouds occurring in the stratosphere in high-latitude regions / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Polar stratospheric clouds (PSCs) are clouds in the winter polar stratosphere at altitudes of 15,000–25,000 m (49,000–82,000 ft). They are best observed during civil twilight, when the Sun is between 1 and 6 degrees below the horizon, as well as in winter and in more northerly latitudes.[1] One main type of PSC is made up mostly of supercooled droplets of water and nitric acid and is implicated in the formation of ozone holes.[2] The other main type consists only of ice crystals which are not harmful. This type of PSC is also referred to as nacreous (/ˈneɪkriəs/, from nacre, or mother of pearl, due to its iridescence).
Quick Facts Abbreviation, Altitude ...
Polar stratospheric cloud | |
---|---|
![]() Antarctic stratospheric cloud (nacreous clouds) | |
Abbreviation | PSC |
Altitude | 15,000–25,000 m (49,000–82,000 ft) |
Classification | Other |
Appearance | Glowing brightly with vivid iridescent colors |
Precipitation | No |
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![First documented appearance of a polar stratospheric cloud over Switzerland and Italy, seen from Brissago, Ticino, Switzerland](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f2/Polar_stratospheric_cloud_seen_from_Brissago%2C_Ticino%2C_Switzerland.jpg/640px-Polar_stratospheric_cloud_seen_from_Brissago%2C_Ticino%2C_Switzerland.jpg)