CLOUD HEAD (STRICTLY BAROCLINIC CLOUD HEAD)

--During the early stages of 'explosive cyclogenesis' (q.v.), a very marked area of dense layered cloud - convex away from the developing depression - can be observed in IR, VIS and WV imagery, detached from the cloud area associated with the development. This feature is the result of air rapidly ascending as the intense development gets underway. Studies have shown that all mid-latitude cyclogenetic events over oceanic areas giving rise to winds of hurricane force were preceded by such features. However, care is needed to correctly identify such and true detection is only possible with animated imagery. (See also Baroclinic leaf; Dry intrusion.)