Back to the Lab

“Fractured” clouds over West Cork

Cloud school
2024 | Cork, Ireland
Cumulus fractus over West Cork

Sunset-lit cumulus fractus-clouds over West Cork.

The name cumulus refers to the “cauliflower”-like appearance these clouds usually have. However, when the atmosphere is highly turbulent or a storm is passing, these clouds get sheared and torn by strong winds. This gives them a jagged and disorganised look.

The orange “colouring” here is the sunlight setting behind these clouds, illuminating them at a low angle. Finally, the dark blues are the shadowed areas of the clouds.