Meteorology
Contrail
Contrail
At a glance
Meaning of Contrail
A visible trail of ice crystals forming behind an aircraft in suitable cold-air conditions.
More about Contrail
A contrail's persistence depends on the temperature and humidity of the surrounding air.
In dry air its crystals disappear relatively quickly. In sufficiently moist air the trail can persist and spread. Its presence alone does not establish a particular aircraft fault or fuel type.