Weather Dictionary / Glossary of Terms

Shelf Cloud


   Weather TermDescription / Definition
   Shelf Cloud A low, horizontal wedge-shaped arcus cloud, associated with a thunderstorm gust front (or occasionally with a cold front, even in the absence of thunderstorms). Unlike the roll cloud, the shelf cloud is attached to the base of the parent cloud above it (usually a thunderstorm). Rising cloud motion often can be seen in the leading (outer) part of the shelf cloud, while the underside often appears turbulent, boiling, and wind-torn.


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Data courtesy of NOAA - National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration