Contrail
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-004657
A linear cloud formed in the wake of an aircraft, resulting from the condensation of water vapor emitted by jet engines or from aerodynamic effects. These artificial clouds are composed of ice crystals and can persist for minutes to hours depending on atmospheric conditions. Contrails can sometimes spread and merge, contributing to cirrus cloud cover.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-004657 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-004657",
"term": "Contrail",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definition": "A linear cloud formed in the wake of an aircraft, resulting from the condensation of water vapor emitted by jet engines or from aerodynamic effects. These artificial clouds are composed of ice crystals and can persist for minutes to hours depending on atmospheric conditions. Contrails can sometimes spread and merge, contributing to cirrus cloud cover.",
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/contrail/"
}
Record 2,154 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.