Undulatus

Definition

A cloud variety in which the layer or elements are arranged in parallel bands or waves with a consistent wavelength, giving a regular, ridged appearance. It occurs in cirrocumulus, altocumulus, stratocumulus and cirrostratus.

Field note

Undulatus means wind shear across a stable layer. The band orientation tells you the direction of the shear, and the wavelength gives a rough measure of the layer's depth and stability.

Related terms

• Altocumulus · Altocumulus
• Lenticularis · lenticularis
• Radiatus · radiatus