Roll cloud
Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-002354
A low, horizontal, tube-shaped arcus cloud that appears to roll about its horizontal axis. It forms along the leading edge of a thunderstorm outflow or a cold front, detached from the main cloud base. This cloud type is distinct from a shelf cloud, which is attached to the base of the parent cloud.
A low, horizontal tube-shaped arcus cloud associated with a thunderstorm gust front (or sometimes with a cold front). Roll clouds are relatively rare; they are completely detached from the thunderstorm base or other cloud features, thus differentiating them from the more familiar shelf clouds. Roll clouds usually appear to be "rolling" about a horizontal axis, but should not be confused with funnel clouds.
| Identifier | MLC-T-MET-002354 |
|---|---|
| Field | Meteorology and atmospheric science |
| References | NWS Glossary |
| See also | Rotor cloud; Morning glory |
Record as JSON
{
"id": "MLC-T-MET-002354",
"term": "Roll cloud",
"field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
"definitions": [
"A low, horizontal, tube-shaped arcus cloud that appears to roll about its horizontal axis. It forms along the leading edge of a thunderstorm outflow or a cold front, detached from the main cloud base. This cloud type is distinct from a shelf cloud, which is attached to the base of the parent cloud.",
"A low, horizontal tube-shaped arcus cloud associated with a thunderstorm gust front (or sometimes with a cold front). Roll clouds are relatively rare; they are completely detached from the thunderstorm base or other cloud features, thus differentiating them from the more familiar shelf clouds. Roll clouds usually appear to be \"rolling\" about a horizontal axis, but should not be confused with funnel clouds."
],
"see_also": [
"Rotor cloud",
"morning glory"
],
"references": [
"NWS Glossary"
],
"url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/roll-cloud/"
}
Record 8,068 of 10,702 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.