Double layer of cloud. Two layers of cloud seen from a space shuttle in orbit, with shadows cast by the higher clouds on the lower layer. The lower cl

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Double layer of cloud. Two layers of cloud seen from a space shuttle in orbit, with shadows cast by the higher clouds on the lower layer. The lower clouds are oceanic stratus. These form at low altitudes (up to 500 metres) and typically produce overcast, drizzly conditions. The higher, whiter clouds are cirrus. Unlike stratus, which consist of water droplets, cirrus are formed from ice crystals at high altitudes (6,000-12,000 metres). They are usually associated with fair weather but in this case are carried over the underlying stratus by powerful jet stream winds. Photographed from Space Shuttle Endeavour during mission STS- 69, which flew on 7-18 September 1995.

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Size: 4767px × 3720px
Photo credit: © NASA/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No

Keywords: cirrus, climate, cloud, clouds, double, layer, meteorology, shuttle, spac, space, stratus, sts-69, types, weather