Arc Cloud Over Southern Germany

Provided and copyright by: Raquel Shida, ESA/Hubble
Summary authors & editors: Raquel Shida

The image above shows a panoramic view of an approaching arc cloud (also called shelf cloud or arcus). These dramatic-looking accessory clouds are on occasion observed near the base of cumulonimbus cells -- along the leading edge of a thunderstorm outflow boundary. This one was associated with a particularly nasty storm that hit southern Germany on June 26, 2006, and preceded the arrival of strong wind gusts and heavy rains. Picture taken in Garching, near Munich, Germany.

Related Links:

• Wall Clouds and Other Lowerings
• Cloud Gallery
• Weather Forecasting Cloud Chart
• More About Mammatus Clouds
• Atmospheric Phenomena

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