Asperitas is characterized by localized waves in the cloud base, either smooth or dappled with smaller features, sometimes descending into sharp points, as if viewing a roughened sea surface from below. It is hypothesised that their appearance is associated with the aftermath of convective thunderstorms, though they have also been sighted in relatively calm environments.

The newest cloud type, asperitas formations are rare and resemble rippling ocean waves in the sky.Asperitas (formerly referred to as Undulatus Asperitas) is a distinctive, but relatively rare cloud formation that takes the appearance of rippling waves. Asperitas is characterized by localized waves in the cloud base, either smooth or dappled with smaller features, sometimes descending into sharp points, as if viewing a roughened sea surface from below. Whereas most low cloud decks are flat bottomed, asperitas clouds appear to have significant vertical structure underneath. These wave-like structures form on the underside of the cloud to makes it look like a rough sea surface when viewed from below.The way in which asperitas clouds form is somewhat a mystery, yet there is much debate and confusion over how the wave-like clouds come into existence. Well-defined, wave-like structures in the underside of the cloud; more chaotic and with less horizontal organization than the variety undulatus.

…The thin, layered cirrostratus cloud is composed of ice crystals and forms a veil that covers all or part …They may only show a snapshot of the current weather, but they can tell us a lot about what to expect in t…Everything you need to know about the forecast, and making the most of the weather.The latest breakthroughs, research and news from the Met Office.Support your business with world-leading science and technology. Varying levels of illumination and thickness of the cloud can lead to dramatic visual effects. Asperitas (formerly referred to as Undulatus Asperitas) is a distinctive, but relatively rare cloud formation that takes the appearance of rippling waves. Between then and 2015 the case was supported by members of the public sending in images of the dramatic cloud formations.It is not yet defined what cloud type gives its home to asperitas, but the WMO began work on deciphering the cloud's mysteries in 2008. Full information will most likely be published in the next edition of the International Cloud Atlas.In the timelapse video below, you can see the full effect of Asperitas and its wave-like appearance:Nacreous clouds form in the lower stratosphere over polar regions when the Sun is just below the horizon. The current hypothesis is that their rippling appearance is connected to the aftermath of thunderstorms; however, they have been seen in calmer weather. The name translates approximately as "roughness". How asperitas clouds form is still being researched. Description & Characteristics. Formally recognized as a distinct cloud type only last year, Asperitas clouds can be stunning in appearance, unusual in occurrence, and are relatively unstudied. Varying levels of illumination and thickness of the cloud can lead to dramatic visual effects.The text enclosed in grey-shaded boxes, like this example, comprises Annex I to the By studying the weather records and using a computer model to simulate the cloud, Graeme found evidence that asperatus is formed in the sort of conditions that produce mamma clouds (also known as mammatus), but when the winds up at the cloud level cause it to be sheared into wavelike forms known as undulatus. Added to the International Cloud Atlas as a supplementary feature in March 2017, it is the first cloud formation added since cirrus intortus in 1951.

The conclusion was that there was a case for this being … The ‘asperitas’ cloud feature can be found amongst two cloud types: altocumulus and stratocumulus. Asperitas (formerly known as Undulatus asperatus) is a cloud formation first popularized and proposed as a type of cloud in 2009 by Gavin Pretor-Pinney of the Cloud Appreciation Society. Occurs mostly with Stratocumulus and Altocumulus. Definition: An altocumulus or stratocumulus cloud feature describing a chaotic and turbulent underside. One theory does suggest that they are formed when mammatus clouds descend into areas of the sky where wind direction changes with height causing the wave-like movement.What is clear however is that atmospheric conditions must be unstable to form a wavy cloud base like that seen with asperitas.Though the formation itself does not produce rainfall, asperitas have been linked to thunderstorms, occurring afterwards.