Exhaust contrails usually form at high altitudes; usually above 8,000 m (26,000 ft), where the air temperature is below −36.5 °C (−34 °F). They can also form closer to the ground when the air is cold and moist. How long do contrails last? Satellites have observed clusters of contrails lastingRead More →

Optical depth and occurrence for both contrails and cirrus clouds are relatively similar. The thickness of contrails is similar to that of thin cirrus clouds, and both occur primarily in the winter months. What are the jets that make clouds? Contrails are human-made clouds. They form in air above aboutRead More →

In short, contrails are cloud-like streamers frequently observed to form behind aircraft flying in clear, cold, humid air. … If the humidifying effect of this moisture addition overcomes the the heat of combustion, then exhaust trails will form. How fast do contrails dissipate? If the humidity is low and theRead More →