NACREOUS CLOUD Meaning and
Definition
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A nacreous cloud, also known as a polar stratospheric cloud, is a type of cloud formation that occurs in the lower stratosphere at high latitudes, near the Earth's poles. It is characterized by its iridescent appearance and is often observed during winter months when the stratosphere is very cold.
Nacreous clouds are composed of small ice crystals or supercooled water droplets that form at altitudes of approximately 15 to 25 kilometers (9 to 16 miles) above the Earth's surface. These clouds are typically thin and usually appear in the form of patches, bands, or waves. They are distinctively colorful, displaying a vibrant range of hues such as blues, pinks, purples, and oranges.
The unique iridescence of nacreous clouds is created through a process called diffraction. When sunlight interacts with the small ice crystals or water droplets within the cloud, it is scattered and refracted, resulting in the beautiful color spectrum that is characteristic of these clouds. The colors and patterns of nacreous clouds can vary depending on the size and shape of the ice crystals present, as well as the direction and intensity of the sunlight.
Although aesthetically stunning, nacreous clouds are also associated with the destruction of ozone in the stratosphere. The presence of certain chemical compounds, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), can promote the formation of these clouds, which in turn catalyze chemical reactions that lead to the depletion of the ozone layer, posing potential risks to the Earth's atmosphere.
Common Misspellings for NACREOUS CLOUD
- bacreous cloud
- macreous cloud
- jacreous cloud
- hacreous cloud
- nzcreous cloud
- nscreous cloud
- nwcreous cloud
- nqcreous cloud
- naxreous cloud
- navreous cloud
- nafreous cloud
- nadreous cloud
- naceeous cloud
- nacdeous cloud
- nacfeous cloud
- nacteous cloud
- nac5eous cloud
- nac4eous cloud
- nacrwous cloud
- nacrsous cloud
Etymology of NACREOUS CLOUD
The word "nacreous" is derived from the Latin word "nacreus", which means "of or resembling mother-of-pearl". "Nacre" itself comes from the Latin word "nacra" and the Greek word "nákros", both meaning "mother-of-pearl". This refers to the iridescent, pearly luster characteristic of mother-of-pearl.
The term "nacreous cloud" specifically refers to a type of cloud called "Polar Stratospheric Clouds" (PSCs). These clouds form in the stratosphere at high altitudes and are composed of small ice crystals. When sunlight interacts with these tiny ice particles, it creates a shimmering display, similar to the iridescence found in mother-of-pearl. Hence, the term "nacreous" was used to describe these beautiful, lustrous clouds.
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