Dust lifted into the air by cyclones provides anchor points for cloud-forming ice

Cirrus clouds are high-altitude (8–17 kilometers) clouds composed of pure ice particles. These clouds have a significant impact on the planet's climate by scattering incoming sunlight and absorbing Earth's emitted infrared radiation. In a new study, Zeng et al. discovered new details about how these wispy, hair-like clouds form in large storm systems.