Opacus Cloud Variety: Opaque, Masks The Sun

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Definition: A cloud variety describing a cloud of thick and darkened characteristics

Description & Characteristics. The ‘opacus’ cloud variety can be found amongst four cloud types: altocumulus, altostratus, stratus, and stratocumulus. Translated from latin, meaning darkened, the four types of opacus clouds are respectively abbreviated as ‘Ac op’, ‘As op’, ‘St op’, and ‘Sc op’. Of the nine cloud varieties, this is arguably the easiest to identify. Plain and simple, opacus cloud formations are dark clouds where you cannot see the sun.

It’s important to note that the opacus cloud variety is the opposite of the translucidus cloud variety. If you can see the sun shining through the cloud or make out the sun’s position in one of these four cloud types, classify the cloud as translucidus. If not, the mark it as opacus. Even though clouds can have more than one variety applied to it, a cloud cannot be classified as opacus and translucidus simultaneously.

As a cloudspotter, the opacus variety is one of the more popular varieties in altostratus and stratus clouds. It’s also important to note that more often than not, you’ll find the opacus cloud variety in altocumulus and stratocumulus clouds when they’re of the stratiformis cloud species.

Stratus opacus undulatus (St op un)
Altostratus opacus (As op)
Stratus nebulosus opacus (St neb op)
Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus (Sc str op)
Stratus opacus undulatus (St op un)

Opacus Cloud Types

The opacus cloud variety is associated with the following four cloud types: altocumulus, altostratus, stratus, and stratocumulus.

A graphical illustration of an altocumulus opacus cloud

Altocumulus (Ac)

Mid-altitude cloud heaps

A graphical illustration of an altostratus opacus cloud

Altostratus (As)

Mid-altitude gray layer

A graphical illustration of a stratus opacus cloud

Stratus (St)

Low, featureless layer

A graphical illustration of a stratocumulus opacus cloud

Stratocumulus (Sc)

Low, puffy layer