Cirrocumulus lenticularis

Cirrocumulus lenticularis is a type of cirrocumulus cloud. The name cirrocumulus lenticularis is derived from Latin, meaning "like a lentil".^[1] Cirrocumulus lenticularis are smooth clouds that have the appearance of a lens or an almond. They usually form at the crests of atmospheric waves, which would otherwise be invisible. This species of cirrocumulus can often be quite elongated and normally has very distinguished boundaries. Cirrocumulus lenticularis forms when stable air is forced upward; this is usually due to orographic features, but can occur away from mountains as well.^[2] Irisation can occasionally occur with these clouds.^[3]

Cirrocumulus lenticularis
Cirrocumulus lenticularis clouds, during a cold front
Abbreviation	Cc len
Symbol
Genus	Cirro- (curl) -cumulus (heaped)
Species	lenticularis (lens-shaped)
Altitude	Above 6,000 m (Above 20,000 ft)
Classification	Family A (High-level)
Appearance	lens- or almond-shaped
Precipitation	Virga only

See also

• Altocumulus lenticularis
• Stratocumulus lenticularis
• List of cloud types