METEOROLOGY – CLOUD & VIIBILITY CALCULATOR
Contrail Formation
A precise tool.
What is the Contrail Formation & How does it work?
Contrails, also known as condensation trails, are visible clouds formed by the expulsion of hot, humid air from aircraft engines into cold, dry upper atmosphere. The formation of contrails depends on several factors including temperature, humidity, and altitude.
The Schmidt-Appleman diagram is a graphical representation that helps determine the conditions under which contrails will form. It plots temperature against relative humidity at various altitudes.
T_d = T – frac{100}{7} cdot (ln(RH) + 6.54)
T_d = Dew point temperature in Celsius
T = Ambient temperature in Celsius
RH = Relative humidity in percentage
T = Ambient temperature in Celsius
RH = Relative humidity in percentage
Parameters
Result
—
Frequently Asked Questions
What are contrails?
Contrails are visible clouds formed by aircraft engines expelling hot, humid air into cold, dry upper atmosphere.
How do I use the Schmidt-Appleman diagram?
Plot temperature against relative humidity at various altitudes to determine contrail formation conditions.
What factors affect contrail formation?
Contrails form when hot, humid air from aircraft engines mixes with cold, dry upper atmosphere conditions.
Can I calculate contrail formation without the diagram?
Yes, using the formula T_d = T - (100/7) * (ln(RH) + 6), where T is temperature and RH is relative humidity.
What altitude is best for contrail formation?
Contrails typically form at higher altitudes where the air is colder and drier.
How do changes in humidity affect contrail formation?
Higher humidity increases the likelihood of contrail formation as it provides more moisture for cloud formation.
Can I use this calculator to predict weather conditions?
While this calculator helps determine contrail formation, it does not predict general weather conditions.
Results are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional advice.