FRACTOSTRATUS Meaning and
Definition
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Fractostratus is a term used in meteorology to describe a type of cloud formation that belongs to the stratus cloud family. A stratus cloud is characterized by its low-altitude position, typically below 6,500 feet (2,000 meters). It forms as a uniform, flat, and featureless layer of cloud that often covers a large area of the sky. A fractostratus cloud, however, exhibits a disrupted or fragmented structure, resulting in broken pieces or fragments within the cloud layer.
The term "fractostratus" is derived from the Latin words "fractus," meaning broken or fragmented, and "stratus," referring to the cloud's characteristic layering appearance. These clouds often appear in a sheet-like formation, ranging in color from white to gray. The fractured appearance can be a result of turbulence or the presence of atmospheric instability, which causes the cloud layer to break apart into irregular pieces or streaks.
Fractostratus clouds are commonly associated with stable weather conditions and are often seen prior to or after a frontal system has passed through an area. They may signify the dissipation of a stratus cloud layer, or the imminent formation of cumulus clouds due to increased atmospheric instability. These clouds generally do not produce significant precipitation, although they may occasionally yield light drizzle or mist.
In summary, fractostratus clouds are fragmented or disrupted stratus clouds, often appearing as broken pieces or streaks within a layer of cloud cover. They serve as indicators of atmospheric instability or the dissipation of cloud formations.
Common Misspellings for FRACTOSTRATUS
- dractostratus
- cractostratus
- vractostratus
- gractostratus
- tractostratus
- rractostratus
- feactostratus
- fdactostratus
- ffactostratus
- ftactostratus
- f5actostratus
- f4actostratus
- frzctostratus
- frsctostratus
- frwctostratus
- frqctostratus
- fraxtostratus
- fravtostratus
- fraftostratus
- fradtostratus
Etymology of FRACTOSTRATUS
The word "fractostratus" combines two elements: "fracto-" and "-stratus".
The prefix "fracto-" is derived from the Latin word "fractus", which means broken or fractured. It is often used in scientific terminology to denote something that is fragmented or broken into smaller parts, or in relation to fractures in the earth's crust.
The suffix "-stratus" comes from the Latin word "stratus", meaning spread out or layered. It is commonly used in meteorology to describe cloud formations that appear in horizontal layers.
Therefore, "fractostratus" refers to a cloud formation that resembles a broken or fragmented layer, characterized by separate or disconnected parts.
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