What is the composition of cirrus clouds?

Cirrus clouds from the Latin cirrus-curl is made up of tiny ice particles at high altitude signaling a cold front approaching. Cumulus nimbus clouds on the other hand, are made up of raising columns of hot air that gives it characteristic billowing forms of water vapor. read more

Cirrus (cloud classification symbol: Ci) is a genus of atmospheric cloud generally characterized by thin, wispy strands, giving the type its name from the Latin word cirrus, meaning a ringlet or curling lock of hair. This cloud can form at any altitude between 16,500 ft (5.0 km) and 45,000 ft (14 km) above sea level. read more

A high-altitude cloud composed of feathery white patches or bands of ice crystals. Cirrus clouds generally form between 6,100 and 12,200 m (20,000 and 40,000 ft). See illustration at cloud. read more

1708, "curl-like fringe or tuft," from Latin cirrus "a lock of hair, tendril, curl, ringlet of hair; the fringe of a garment." In meteorology, cirrus clouds attested from 1803. So called from fancied resemblance of shape. read more