C_M7 Thick altocumulus in a single layer

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Gallery
© C.S. Broomfield	© C.J. Richards
© R.K. Pilsbury

C_M7 is also used to describe patches, sheets, or a layer of predominately thick altocumulus at a single level. The elements of the altocumulus do not change continually, nor does the cloud progressively invade the sky.

Examples of regularly arranged elements are shown on the top photographs. Even if the elements appear smaller than this, the cloud is still classified altocumulus if it shows shading. In the bottom photograph the cloud elements are irregular in shape.

Code figure CM=7 is also used to report other types of altocumulus. Refer to the pictorial guide for descriptions of other cloud types of C_M7.

Classification
Description: Patches, sheets or a layer of thick altocumulus at a single level.	Designation: CM=7 (C3)
	Latin name: Altocumulus opacus (Ac op).

Related pages: Cloud classification | C_L guide | C_M guide | C_H guide | Cloud index