MLchartDataset catalogue

Rotor cloud

Term · Meteorology and atmospheric science · MLC-T-MET-002363

  1. A turbulent, cylindrical cloud that forms in the lee of mountain ranges, associated with mountain waves. It indicates the presence of strong vertical air currents and severe turbulence. These clouds are stationary relative to the terrain but contain rapidly circulating air, making them hazardous for aviation.

  2. A turbulent altocumulus cloud formation found in the lee of some mountain barriers when winds cross the barrier at high speed. The air in the cloud rotates around an axis parallel to the range. Also called a roll cloud.

Table 1. Record
IdentifierMLC-T-MET-002363
FieldMeteorology and atmospheric science
Synonymsroll cloud
ReferencesNWS Glossary
See alsoBishop wave
Record as JSON
{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-002363",
  "term": "Rotor cloud",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definitions": [
    "A turbulent, cylindrical cloud that forms in the lee of mountain ranges, associated with mountain waves. It indicates the presence of strong vertical air currents and severe turbulence. These clouds are stationary relative to the terrain but contain rapidly circulating air, making them hazardous for aviation.",
    "A turbulent altocumulus cloud formation found in the lee of some mountain barriers when winds cross the barrier at high speed. The air in the cloud rotates around an axis parallel to the range. Also called a roll cloud."
  ],
  "synonyms": [
    "roll cloud"
  ],
  "see_also": [
    "Bishop wave"
  ],
  "references": [
    "NWS Glossary"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/rotor-cloud/"
}

Record 8,180 of 10,816 in Meteorology and atmospheric science terminology (MLC-0110). Request the full dataset.