Contrail, also called condensation trail or vapour trail, streamer of cloud sometimes observed behind an airplane flying in clear cold humid air. It forms upon condensation of water vapour produced by the combustion of fuel in airplane engines. When the ambient relative humidity is high, the resulting ice-crystal plume may last several hours. The trail may be distorted by the winds, and sometimes it spreads outward to form a layer of cirrus cloud. These were photographed in the South of England in the early morning.

---

Size: 4128px × 2294px
Location: South of England
Photo credit: © David Cole / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: air, airport, condensation, contrail, fuel, pollution, purity, trail, vapor, vapour, water