Type: High-level cloud
Height of cloud base: 17,000-35,000 ft
Cloud colour: Composed of ice crystals, therefore white.
Cloud shape: Patches or sheet of very small elements in the form of grains or ripples or a honeycomb. When viewed from the ground, the size of individual elements will have an apparent width of less than 1° when at an elevation greater than 30° (no greater than the width of a little finger at arm's length).
Other cloud features: Sometimes its appearance in a regular pattern of 'waves' and small gaps may resemble the scales of a fish, thus giving rise to the popular name 'mackerel sky' (this name may also be attributed to high altocumulus clouds).
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