Pannus or Scud Clouds: A Guide to This Low-Lying Fractus Cloud Formation

 

Have you ever looked up at the sky and noticed a type of cloud that appears ragged or wispy, and moves faster than the other clouds in the area? If so, you may have spotted a type of fractus cloud known as Pannus, or more commonly referred to as Scud clouds.

These low-lying clouds are often seen beneath other cloud formations such as nimbostratus, cumulonimbus, altostratus, and cumulus clouds. They are detached and irregular in form, giving them a distinct appearance from other cloud types.

One of the unique characteristics of Pannus clouds is their ability to move faster than the storm clouds they are paired with. This is due to the outflow, or downdraft, of air beneath a thunderstorm. As the outflow descends to the ground, it spreads out in all directions, including horizontally. This creates a horizontal motion in the air, which scud clouds are then caught in and carried along with.

While scud clouds may appear similar to other fractus cloud formations, they are typically paired with a larger cloud system such as a thunderstorm. This is an important distinction to make, as scud clouds are not stand-alone cloud formations and can often indicate severe weather is nearby.

Despite their unique characteristics, if the parent cloud that scud clouds pair with were to suddenly dissipate, it would be difficult to tell apart from a fractus cloud formation. This is because scud clouds are essentially a byproduct of the larger cloud system they are attached to.

In conclusion, Pannus or Scud clouds are a unique type of fractus cloud that can often indicate the presence of severe weather. They are typically found beneath other cloud formations and move faster than the clouds they are paired with. While they may be difficult to distinguish from other fractus clouds, their association with larger cloud systems such as thunderstorms is an important characteristic to note.