Lacunosus Cloud Variety: Perforated, Frayed Holes

Description & Characteristics. The ‘lacunosus’ cloud variety can be found amongst three cloud types: cirrocumulus, altocumulus, and stratocumulus. Translated from latin, meaning full of gaps, the three types of lacunosus clouds are respectively abbreviated as ‘Cc la’, ‘Ac la’, and ‘Sc la’. Lacunosus cloud formations can be easily depicted from other cloud varieties by their distinct honeycomb appearance. It’s not every day you see clouds with holes in them.

The lacunosus cloud variety is rare. It’s more commonly seen in cirrocumulus clouds followed by altocumulus clouds. It’s especially rare to see stratocumulus lacunosus clouds. One of the reasons they’re so rare is because they’re very short-lived, usually lasting only several minutes. These clouds are formed when a layer of rising warm air and layer of cold air come into contact with one another.

Often times, lacunosus clouds will be found in the stratiformis cloud species. Finally, don’t confuse lacunosus clouds with the cavum cloud feature, otherwise known as a fallstreak hole or hole punch. Fallstreaks are one very large hole where lacunosus can be differentiated by many tinier holes, sometimes described as a fishing net.