List of cloud types

Types of clouds

Tropospheric cloud classification by altitude of occurrence. Multi-level andvertical genus-types not limited to a single altitude level include nimbostratus, cumulonimbus, andsome of the larger cumulus species.

Thelist of cloud types groups is genera all genera ashigh ( cirro- , cirrus ) ,middle ( alto- ) ,multi-level ( nimbo- , cumulo- , cumulus ) , andlow (strato-, stratus). These groupings are determined by the altitude level or levels in the troposphere at which each of the various cloud types is normally found. Small cumulus are commonly grouped with the low clouds because they do not show significant vertical extent. Of the multi-level genus-types, those with the greatest convective activity are often grouped separately as towering vertical. Thegenus types all have Latin names.

Thegenera are also grouped into five physical forms. These are, in approximate ascending order of instability or convective activity: stratiform sheet ;cirriform wisps andpatches; stratocumuliform patches, rolls, andripples; cumuliform heaps, andcumulonimbiform towers that often have complex structures. Most genera are divided into species with Latin names, some of which are common to more than one genus. Most genera andspecies can be subdivided into varieties, also with Latin names, some of which are common to more than one genus or species. Theessentials of the modern nomenclature system for tropospheric clouds were proposed by Luke Howard, a British manufacturing chemist andan amateur meteorologist with broad interests in science, in an 1802 presentation to the Askesian Society. Very low stratiform clouds that touch the Earth’s surface are given the common names fog andmist, which are not included with the Latin nomenclature of clouds that form aloft in the troposphere.

Above the troposphere , stratospheric andmesospheric clouds is have have their own classification with common name for the major type andalpha – numeric nomenclature for the subtype . They are characterize by altitude asvery high level (polar stratospheric) andextreme level (polar mesospheric). Three of the five physical forms in the troposphere are also seen at these higher levels, stratiform, cirriform, andstratocumuliform, although the tops of very large cumulonimbiform clouds can penetrate the lower stratosphere.

Cloud identification andclassification : order of list type

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In section two of this page (Classification of major types), height ranges are sorted in approximate descending order of altitude expressed in general terms. On the cross-classification table, forms andgenus types (including some genus sub-types) are shown from left to right in approximate ascending order of instability.

In sections three to five, terrestrial clouds are listed in descending order of the altitude range of each atmospheric layer in which clouds can form:

• mesospheric layer ;
• stratospheric layer;
• tropospheric layer.
  • Within the troposphere , the cloud level are list in descend order of altitude range .
    • Non-vertical genus types (including some genus sub-types) are sorted into approximate descending order of altitude of the cloud bases.
    • Vertical or multi-level genera andgenus sub-types can be based in the low or middle levels andare therefore placed between the non-vertical low andmid-level genus types andsub-types. These thick clouds are listed in approximate descending order of altitude of the cloud tops.
      • Thespecies associated with each genus type are listed in approximate ascending order of instability where applicable.
      • Theconstituent varieties andassociated supplementary features andmother clouds for each genus or species are arranged in approximate order of frequency of occurrence.
      • A count of basic tropospheric variants that result from the division andsubdivision of genus types into species andvarieties is shown as a number in parentheses from V-1 (variant 1) through V-93 after each variety, after nimbostratus that has no sub-types, andafter certain species that are not always dividable into varieties.

In section six, the cloud types in the general lists andthe mother clouds in the applicable classification table are sorted in alphabetical order except where noted. Thespecies table shows these types sorted from left to right in approximate ascending order of the convective instability of each species. Thetable for supplementary features has them arranged in approximate descending order of frequency of occurrence.

In section seven, extraterrestrial clouds can be found in the atmospheres of other planets in our solar system andbeyond. Theplanets with clouds are listed (not numbered) in order of their distance from the sun, andthe clouds on each planet are in approximate descending order of altitude.

Cloud cross-classification throughout the homosphere

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Cloud chart is showing show major tropospheric cloud type identify by standard two – letter abbreviation andgroup by altitude andform . See table below for full name andclassification .

Thetable that follows is very broad in scope much like the cloud genera template near the bottom of the article andupon which this table is partly based. There are some variations in styles of nomenclature between the classification scheme used for the troposphere (strict Latin except for surface based aerosols) andthe higher levels of the homosphere (common terms, some informally derived from Latin). However, the schemes presented here share a cross-classification of physical forms andaltitude levels to derive the 10 tropospheric genera,^[1] the fog andmist that forms at surface level, andseveral additional major types above the troposphere. Thecumulus genus includes four species that indicate vertical size which can affect the altitude levels.

Mesospheric cloud identification andclassification

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Clouds that form in the mesosphere come in a variety of forms such as veils, bands, andbillows, but are not given Latin names based on these characteristics. These clouds are the highest in the atmosphere andare given the Latin-derived name noctilucent which refers to their illumination during deep twilight rather than their physical forms. They are sub-classified alpha-numerically andwith common terms according to specific details of their physical structures.

extreme – level stratiform, stratocumuliform, andcirriform

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Mesospheric noctilucent cloud over Estonia

Noctilucent clouds are thin clouds that come in a variety of forms based from about 80 to 85 kilometres (262,000–279,000 ft) andoccasionally seen in deep twilight after sunset andbefore sunrise.^[6][7]

Type 1

Veils, very tenuous stratiform; resembles cirrostratus or poorly defined cirrus.

Type 2

Long stratocumuliform bands, often in parallel groups or interwoven at small angles. More widely spaced than cirrocumulus bands.

2A

Bands with diffuse, blurred edges.

2B

band with sharply define edge .

Type 3

Billows. Clearly spaced, fibrous cirriform, roughly parallel short streaks.

3A

Short, straight, narrow streaks.

3B

Wave-like structures with undulations.

Type 4

whirl . Partial is rings ( or , more rarely , complete ) cirriform ring with dark center .

4A

Whirls possessing a small angular radius of curvature, sometimes resembling light ripples on a water surface.

4b

Simple curve of medium angular radius with one or more streaks.

4c

whirl with large – scale ring structure .

Stratospheric cloud identification andclassification

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Stratospheric nacreous clouds over Antarctica

polar stratospheric clouds is form form at very high altitude in polar region of the stratosphere . Those that show mother – of – pearl color are give the namenacreous.^[8]

Very high-level stratiform

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Nitric acid andwater polar stratospheric

Sometimes known as type 1, a thin sheet-like cloud resembling cirrostratus or haze. Contains supercooled nitric acid andwater droplets; sometimes also contains supercooled sulfuric acid in ternary solution.

Very high-level cirriform andstratocumuliform

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nacreous polar stratospheric cloud ( mother of pearl )

Sometimes know as type 2 , a thin usually cirriform or lenticular ( stratocumuliform ) look cloud base from about 18   to 30 kilometre ( 59,000–98,000   ft ) andsee most often between sunset andsunrise .^[8] consist of ice crystal only .

Troposphere cloud identification andclassification

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Tropospheric cloud are divide into physical form define by structure , andlevel define by altitude range . These divisions is are are cross – classified to produce ten basic genus – type . They is have have latin name as authorize by the World Meteorological Organization ( WMO ) that indicate physical structure , altitude or étage , andprocess of formation .

high – level cirriform , stratocumuliform , andstratiform

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high clouds is form form in the high andcold region of the troposphere from about 5 to 12   km ( 16,500 to 40,000   ft ) in temperate latitude .^[9][10] At this altitude water almost always freeze so high cloud are generally compose of ice crystal or supercoole water droplet .

abbreviation :ci

cirriform clouds is tend tend to be wispy andare mostly transparent or translucent . isolated cirrus do not bring rain ; however , large amounts is indicate of cirrus can indicate an approach storm system eventually follow by fair weather .

There are several variations of clouds of the cirrus genus based on species andvarieties:

cirrus spissatus ( V-3 )
cirrus fibratus radiatus (V-8)
cirrus uncinus (V-2)

cirrus fibratus (V-1)

high clouds having the traditional “mare’s tail” appearance. These clouds are long, fibrous, andcurved, with no tufts or curls at the ends.

cirrus uncinus (V-2)

Filaments with up-turned hooks or curls.

cirrus spissatus ( V-3 )

dense andopaque or mostly opaque patch .

cirrus castellanus (V-4)

A series of dense lumps, or “towers”, connected by a thinner base.

cirrus floccus (V-5)

Elements which take on a rounded appearance on the top, with the lower part appearing ragged.^[11]

Opacity-based

None; always translucent except species spissatus which is inherently opaque.^[12]

fibratus pattern-based

cirrus fibratus intortus ( V-6 )

irregularly curved or tangled filament .

cirrus fibratus vertebratus (V-7)

Elements is arranged arrange in the manner of a vertebrate or fish skeleton .

pattern – base variety radiatus

Large horizontal bands that appear to converge at the horizon; normally associated with fibratus anduncinus species.

cirrus fibratus radiatus (V-8)

cirrus uncinus radiatus (V-9)

pattern – base variety duplicatus

Sheets at different layers of the upper troposphere, which may be connected at one or more points; normally associated with fibratus anduncinus species.

cirrus fibratus duplicatus (V-10)

cirrus uncinus duplicatus ( V-11 )

Spissatus , castellanus , or floccus^[11][12]

Varieties are not commonly associated.

supplementary feature

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Precipitation-based

Not associated with cirrus.

Cloud-based

Mamma

bubble – like downward protuberance ; mostly see with specie castellanus .^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

cirrus cirrocumulogenitu

cirrus altocumulogenitus

cirrus cumulonimbogenitus

cirrus homogenitus

cirrus is formed form by spread of aircraft contrail .

Mutatus mother cloud

cirrus cirrostratomutatus

cirrus homomutatus

cirrus is formed form by the complete transformation of cirrus homogenitus .

A large field of cirrocumulus stratiformis ( V-12 )

abbreviation :Cc.^[9]

high-level stratocumuliform clouds of the genus cirrocumulus form when moist air at high tropospheric altitude reaches saturation, creating ice crystals or supercooled water droplets. Limited convective instability at the cloud level gives the cloud a rolled or rippled appearance. Despite the lack of a strato- prefix, layered cirrocumulus is physically a high stratocumuliform genus.^[14]

high stratocumuliform species

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cirrocumulus stratiformis^[15] ( V-12 )

Sheets or relatively flat patches of cirrocumulus.

cirrocumulus lenticularis^[15] (V-13)

Lenticular, or lens-shaped high cloud.

cirrocumulus castellanus^[15] (V-14)

cirrocumulus layer with “towers”, or turrets joined at the bases.

cirrocumulus floccus^[15] ( V-15 )

Very small white heaps with ragged bases androunded tops.^[11]

opacity – base variety

None (always translucent).

pattern – base variety

Undulatus

cirrocumulus with an undulating base; normally associated with stratiformis andlenticularis species.

Stratocumuliform undulatus (V-16)

cirrocumulus stratiformis undulatus (V-17)

cirrocumulus lenticularis undulatus^[12] (V-18)

Lacunosus

cirrocumulus with large clear holes; normally associated with stratiformis andcastellanus species (also with cumuliform floccus species).

Stratocumuliform lacunosus

cirrocumulus stratiformis lacunosus (V-19)

cirrocumulus castellanus lacunosus (V-20)

cirrocumulus is floccus floccus lacunosus^[12] (V-21)

supplementary feature

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precipitation – base supplementary feature

virga

Light precipitation that evaporates well above ground level; mostly seen with species stratiformis, castellanus, andfloccus.^[13]

Cloud – base supplementary feature

Mamma

bubble – like downward protuberance ; mostly see with specie castellanus .

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

No genitus type .

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

cirrocumulus cirromutatus

cirrocumulus cirrostratomutatus

cirrocumulus altocumulomutatus

cirrocumulus homomutatus

result from the transformation of cirrus homogenitus .

cirrostratus nebulosus merging into darker altostratus translucidus (V-47)

abbreviation :Cs^[9]

cirrostratus fibratus undulatus (V-25)

Clouds of the genus cirrostratus consist of mostly continuous, wide sheets of cloud that covers a large area of the sky. It is formed when convectively stable moist air cools to saturation at high altitude, forming ice crystals.^[16] Frontal cirrostratus is a precursor to rain or snow if it thickens into mid-level altostratus andeventually nimbostratus, as the weather front moves closer to the observer.

cirrostratus fibratus^[15] (V-22)

cirrostratus sheet with a fibrous appearance, but not as detached as cirrus.

cirrostratus nebulosus^[15] (V-23)

featureless , uniform sheet .^[11]

opacity – base variety

None (always translucent)^[12]

fibratus pattern-based varieties

cirrostratus fibratus duplicatus^[12] ( V-24 )

separate or semi – merged sheet with one layer slightly above the other .

cirrostratus fibratus undulatus^[12] (V-25)

Undulating waves.

Varieties are not commonly associated with Cs species nebulosus.^[12]

supplementary feature

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supplementary feature/accessory clouds: Not associated with cirrostratus.^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

cirrostratus cirrocumulogenitus

cirrostratus is cumulonimbogenitus cumulonimbogenitu

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

cirrostratus cirromutatus

cirrostratus cirrocumulomutatus

cirrostratus altostratomutatus

cirrostratus homomutatus

result from the transformation of cirrus homogenitus .

Mid-level stratocumuliform andstratiform

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middle cloud forms from 2 to 7 km (6,500–23,000 ft) in temperate latitudes, andmay be composed of water droplets or ice crystals depending on the temperature profile at that altitude range.^[10]

Altocumulus castellanus (V-28)
Altocumulus floccus (V-29)
Altocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (V-39)
Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus ( v-40 )
Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus undulatus (V-41) clouds merging into altostratus opacus (V-50), with higher layer of cirrus fibratus (V-1)
Fallstreak hole -altocumulus stratiformis translucidus lacunosus (V-44)

abbreviation :Ac^[9]

Mid-level stratocumuliform clouds of the genus altocumulus are not always associated with a weather front but can still bring precipitation, usually in the form of virga which does not reach the ground. Layered forms of altocumulus are generally an indicator of limited convective instability, andare therefore mainly stratocumuliform in structure.

mid – level stratocumuliform specie

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Altocumulus stratiformis

Always dividable into opacity-based varieties. Sheets or relatively flat patches of altocumulus.

Altocumulus lenticularis (V-26)

Lens-shaped middle cloud. Includes informal variant altocumulus Kelvin–Helmholtz cloud, lenticular spiral indicative of severe turbulence.

Altocumulus volutus (V-27)

elongated , tube shape , horizontal stratocumuliform cloud .

Altocumulus castellanus (V-28)

Turreted layer cloud.

Altocumulus floccus (V-29)

tufted stratocumuliform cloud with ragged basis .^[11]

opacity – base variety

Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus (V-30)

translucent altocumulus through which the sun or moon can be see .

Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus (V-31)

Opaque middle clouds with translucent breaks.

Altocumulus stratiformis opacus (V-32)

Opaque altocumulus that obscures the sun or moon.^[12]

pattern – base variety

radiatus

Rows of altocumulus that appear to converge at the horizon; normally associated with stratiformis species.

Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus radiatus (V-33)

Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus radiatus ( v-34 )

Altocumulus stratiformis opacus radiatus ( v-35 )

Duplicatus

Altocumulus in closely spaced layers, one above the other; normally associated with stratiformis andlenticularis species.

Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus duplicatus (V-36)

Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus duplicatus (V-37)

Altocumulus stratiformis opacus duplicatus ( v-38 )

Altocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (V-39)

Undulatus

Altocumulus with wavy undulating base; normally associated with stratiformis andlenticularis species.^[12]

Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus ( v-40 )

Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus undulatus (V-41)

Altocumulus stratiformis opacus undulatus ( v-42 )

Altocumulus lenticularis undulatus ( V-43 )

Lacunosus

altocumulus with circular hole cause by localize downdraft ; normally associate with stratiformis andcastellanus specie ( also with cumuliform floccus specie ) .^[12]

Altocumulus stratiformis translucidus lacunosus (V-44)

Altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus lacunosus (V-45)

Altocumulus stratiformis opacus lacunosus ( v-46 )

Altocumulus castellanus lacunosus ( V-47 )

Altocumulus floccus lacunosus^[11] (V-48)

supplementary feature

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precipitation – base supplementary feature

virga

altocumulus produce precipitation that evaporate before reach the ground ; usually associate with specie stratiformis , castellanus , andfloccus .

Cloud – base supplementary feature

Mamma

Altocumulus ( usually species castellanus ) with downward face bubble – like protuberance cause by localize downdraft within the cloud .^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

Altocumulus cumulogenitus

Altocumulus cumulonimbogenitus

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

Altocumulus cirrocumulomutatus

Altocumulus altostratomutatus

Altocumulus nimbostratomutatus

Altocumulus stratocumulomutatus

Altostratus translucidus (V-49) near top of photo thickening into altostratus opacus (V-50) near bottom

abbreviation :As^[9]

Stratiform clouds of the genus altostratus form when a large convectively stable air mass is lifted to condensation in the middle level of the troposphere, usually along a frontal system. Altostratus can bring light rain or snow. If the precipitation becomes continuous, it may thicken into nimbostratus which can bring precipitation of moderate to heavy intensity.

No differentiated species (always nebulous).^[11]

opacity – base variety

Altostratus translucidus (V-49)

Altostratus through which the sun can be see .

Altostratus opacus (V-50)

Altostratus that completely block out the sun .^[12]

pattern – base variety radiatus

Bands that appear to converge at the horizon.

Altostratus translucidus radiatus ( V-51 )

Altostratus opacus radiatus (V-52)

pattern – base variety duplicatus

Altostratus in closely spaced layers, one above the other.

Altostratus translucidus duplicatus (V-53)

Altostratus opacus duplicatus ( V-54 )

pattern – base variety undulatus

Altostratus with wavy undulate base .

Altostratus translucidus undulatus (V-55)

Altostratus opacus undulatus^[11] (V-56)

supplementary feature

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precipitation – base supplementary features

virga

accompany by precipitation that evaporate before reach the ground . see mostly with opacus variety .

Praecipitatio

Produces precipitation that reaches the ground; associated with opacus varieties.^[13]

Cloud – base supplementary feature

Mamma

Altostratus with downward face bubble – like protuberance cause by localize downdraft within the cloud .

Accessory cloud

Seen mostly with opacus varieties

pannus

Accompanied by ragged lower layer of fractus species clouds forming in precipitation.^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

Altostratus altocumulogenitus

Altostratus cumulonimbogenitus

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

Altostratus cirrostratomutatus

Altostratus nimbostratomutatus

tower vertical cumulonimbiform andcumuliform ( low to mid – level cloud base )

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Clouds is form with upward – grow vertical development usually form below 2 kilometre ( 6,600   ft ) ,^[10] but can be based as high as 2.5 kilometres (8,200 ft) in temperate climates, andoften much higher in arid regions.

Genuscumulonimbus: tower vertical

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Cumulonimbus calvus (V-57)
Single-cell Cumulonimbus capillatus (V-58) incus

abbreviation :cb^[9]

Clouds of the genus cumulonimbus have very-dark-gray-to-nearly-black flat bases andvery high tops that can penetrate the tropopause. They develop from cumulus when the air mass is convectively highly unstable. They generally produce thunderstorms, rain or showers, andsometimes hail, strong outflow winds, and/or tornadoes at ground level.

Cumulonimbus calvus (V-57)

Cumulonimbus with high domed top .

Cumulonimbus capillatus (V-58)

tower vertical cloud with high cirriform top.^[11]

No varieties (always opaque anddoes not form in patterns visible from surface level).^[11][12]

supplementary feature

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precipitation – base supplementary features

Associated with calvus andcapillatus species.

virga

Precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground.

Praecipitatio

Precipitation that reaches the ground.^[13]

Cloud – base supplementary features

Incus ( specie capillatus only )

Cumulonimbus with flat anvil-like cirriform top caused by wind shear where the rising air currents hit the inversion layer at the tropopause.^[13][17]

Mamma

Also sometimes called Mammatus, consisting of bubble-like protrusions on the underside caused by localized downdrafts.

Arcus (including roll andshelf clouds)

low , horizontal cloud formation associate with the lead edge of thunderstorm outflow .

Tuba

Column hanging from the cloud base which can develop into a funnel cloud or tornado.^[13]

accessory cloud

see with specie andcapillatus except where note .

pannus

accompany by a low layer of fractus specie cloud form in precipitation .

Pileus ( specie calvus only )

Small cap-like cloud over parent cumulonimbus.

Velum

A thin horizontal sheet that form around the middle of a cumulonimbus .^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

Cumulonimbus altocumulogenitus

Cumulonimbus altostratogenitus

Cumulonimbus nimbostratogenitus

Cumulonimbus stratocumulogenitus

Cumulonimbus flammagenitus

form by large – scale fire or volcanic eruption .

Mutatus mother cloud

Cumulonimbus cumulomutatus

Genuscumulus: tower vertical

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Cumulus congestus (V-59)

abbreviation :Cu con (cumulus congestus) orTcu (tower cumulus)^[18]

Cumulus congestus^[11] (V-59)

These large cumulus clouds have flat dark grey bases andvery tall tower-like formations with tops mostly in the high level of the troposphere. TheInternational civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designates this species as tower cumulus (Tcu).

opacity – base variety

None (always opaque).

Pattern-based variety

None is discerned ( not generally discern with highly unstable cumulus congestus ) .

supplementary feature

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precipitation – base supplementary features

virga

Accompanied by precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground.

Praecipitatio

produce precipitation that reach the ground .^[13]

Cloud – base supplementary features

Mamma

Downward facing bubble-like protuberances caused by localized downdrafts within the cloud.

Arcus (including roll andshelf clouds)

low horizontal cloud formation associate with the lead edge of a thunderstorm outflow .

Tuba

column hang from the cloud base which can develop into a small funnel cloud .^[13]

accessory cloud

pannus

accompany by a low layer of fractus specie cloud form in precipitation .

Pileus

small cap – like cloud over parent cumulus cloud .

Velum

A thin horizontal sheet that form around the middle of a cumulus cloud .^[13]

Mother is clouds cloud

Cumulus congestus flammagenitus

Other genitus andmutatus types is are are the same as for small andmoderate cumulus .

Multi-level stratiform andmoderate vertical cumuliform (low to mid-level cloud base)

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Genusnimbostratus: Multi-level

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nimbostratu (V-60) with virga

abbreviation :n^[9] (V-60)

Clouds of the genus nimbostratus tend to bring constant precipitation andlow visibility. This cloud type normally forms above 2 kilometres (6,600 ft)^[10] from altostratus cloud but tends to thicken into the lower levels during the occurrence of precipitation. Thetop of a nimbostratus deck is usually in the middle level of the troposphere.

No differentiated species (always nebulous).^[11]

No variety ( always opaque andnever form in pattern ) .^[11][12]

supplementary feature

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precipitation – base supplementary features

virga

Accompanied by precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground.

Praecipitatio

produce precipitation that reach the ground .^[13]

Accessory cloud

pannus

nimbostratu with lower layer of fractus species cloud forming in precipitation.^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

nimbostratu cumulogenitus

nimbostratu cumulonimbogenitus

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

nimbostratu altostratomutatus

nimbostratu altocumulomutatus

nimbostratu stratocumulomutatus

Genuscumulus: moderate vertical

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cumulus mediocris ( v-61 ) from above
cumulus mediocris ( v-61 ) pileus
Cumulus congestus (V-59) arcus

abbreviation :Cu^[9]

moderate vertical cumulus is is is the product of free convective air mass instability . continue upward growth is suggests suggest shower later in the day .

cumulus mediocris ( v-61 )

moderate vertical clouds with flat medium grey bases andhigher tops than cumulus humilis.^[11]

opacity – base variety: None (always opaque)

Pattern-based variety

Cumulus mediocris radiatus (V-62)^[19](V-60); moderate cumulus clouds arranged in parallel lines that appear to converge at the horizon.^[11][12]

supplementary feature

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precipitation – base supplementary features:

virga

Accompanied by precipitation that evaporates before reaching the ground.

Praecipitatio

produce precipitation that reach the ground .^[13]

Cloud – base supplementary feature

Mamma

Downward facing bubble-like protuberances caused by localized downdrafts within the cloud.^[13]

accessory cloud

Pileus; small cap – like cloud over parent cumulus cloud .^[13]

Velum

A thin horizontal sheet that form around the middle of a cumulus cloud .

Mother is clouds cloud

Genitus andmutatus types is are are the same as for cumulus of little vertical extent .

low-level stratocumuliform, cumuliform, andstratiform

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low cloud forms from near surface to ca. 2 kilometres (6,600 ft) andare generally composed of water droplets.^[10]

Genusstratocumulu

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Stratocumulus castellanus ( V-66 )

abbreviation :Sc^[9]

Clouds is are of the genus stratocumulu are lumpy , often form in slightly unstable air , andthey can produce very light rain or drizzle .

Stratocumulus stratiformis

Always dividable into opacity – base variety . sheet or relatively flat patch of stratocumulu

Stratocumulus lenticularis (V-63)

lens – shape low cloud .

stratocumulus volutus ( V-64 )

elongated , low – level , tube shape , horizontal stratocumuliform cloud .

Stratocumulus floccus (V-65)

Scattered or isolated stratocumulus tufts with domed tops andragged bases.

Stratocumulus castellanus (V-66)

Layer of turreted stratocumulus cloud with tower-like formations protruding upwards.^[11]

Stratocumuliform opacity-based varieties

Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidu ( V-67 )

Thin translucent stratocumulus through which the sun or moon can be seen.

Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus (V-68)

Opaque low clouds with translucent breaks.

Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus ( v-69 )

opaque stratocumulus cloud .^[12]

pattern – base variety radiatus

Stratocumulus is arranged arrange in parallel band that appear to converge on the horizon ; normally associate with stratiformis species .

Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus radiatus (V-70)

Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus radiatus (V-71)

Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus radiatus (V-72)

pattern – base variety duplicatus

closely spaced layer of stratocumulus , one above the other ; normally associate with stratiformis andlenticularis specie .

Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus duplicatus (V-73)

Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus duplicatus (V-74)

Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus duplicatus ( V-75 )

Stratocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (V-76)

pattern – base variety undulatus

Stratocumulus with wavy undulating base; normally associated with stratiformis andlenticularis species.^[12]

Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus (V-77)

Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus undulatus (V-78)

Stratocumulus stratiformis opacus undulatus (V-79)

Stratocumulus lenticularis undulatus (V-80)

Pattern-based variety lacunosus

Sc with circular holes caused by localized downdrafts; normally associated with stratiformis andcastellanus species.

Stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus lacunosus (V-81)

Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus lacunosus (V-82)

Stratocumulus stratiformis is opacus opacus lacunosus ( v-83 )

stratocumulus castellanus lacunosus^[11] (V-84)

Stratocumulus is floccus floccus lacunosus ( V-85 )

supplementary feature

[edit]

precipitation – base supplementary features

Usually associated with species stratiformis andcastellanus.

virga

low cloud produce precipitation that evaporate before reach the ground .

Praecipitatio

Stratocumulus clouds producing precipitation that reaches the ground.^[13]

Cloud – base supplementary feature

Mamma

stratocumulus with bubble – like protrusion on the underside ; usually associate with specie castellanus .^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

Stratocumulus cumulogenitus

Stratocumulus cumulogenitus with higher layer of altocumulus stratiformis

Stratocumulus nimbostratogenitus

Stratocumulus cumulonimbogenitus

Stratocumulus altostratogenitus

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

Stratocumulus nimbostratomutatus

Stratocumulus altocumulomutatus

Stratocumulus stratomutatus

Genuscumulus ( little vertical extent )

[edit]
Cumulus humilis ( V-87 )

abbreviation :Cu

These are fair weather cumuliform clouds of limited convection that do not grow vertically. Thevertical height from base to top is generally less than the width of the cloud base. They appear similar to stratocumulus but the elements are generally more detached andless wide at the base.

Cumulus fractus (V-86)

Ragged shreds of cumulus clouds.

cumulus humilis ( v-87 )

” fair weather cloud ” with flat light grey basis andsmall white domed top .^[11]

opacity – base variety

None (always opaque except species fractus which is always translucent).^[12]

humili pattern – base variety

Cumulus humilis radiatus (V-88)

Small cumulus clouds arranged in parallel lines that appear to converge at the horizon.^{[citation needed]}

supplementary feature andaccessory clouds

[edit]

Not commonly seen with cumulus fractus or humilis.^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

Cumulus stratocumulogenitus

Cumulus homogenitus

Clouds formed by air-mass convection associated with contained industrial activity.

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

Cumulus stratocumulomutatus

Cumulus stratomutatus

Cumulus cataractagenitus

generate by the spray from waterfall .

At level with stratus nebulosus translucidus (V-90) andopacus (V-91) clouds
Stratus fractus (V-89) cloud

abbreviation :St^[9]

Clouds of the genus stratus form in low horizontal layers having a ragged or uniform base. Ragged stratus often forms in precipitation while more uniform stratus forms in maritime or other moist stable air mass conditions. Thelatter often produces drizzle. Stratus that touches the Earth’s surface is given the common name, fog, rather than a Latin name that applies only to clouds that form andremain aloft in the troposphere.

Stratus nebulosus

Uniform fog – like low cloud .

Stratus fractus (V-89)

Ragged shreds of stratus clouds usually under base of precipitation clouds.^[11]

Nebulosus opacity-based varieties

Stratus nebulosus translucidu ( V-90 )

thin translucent stratus .

Stratus nebulosus opacus ( V-91 )

Opaque stratus that obscures the sun or moon.^[12]

pattern – base variety undulatus

wavy undulate base .

Stratus nebulosus translucidus undulatus (V-92)

Stratus nebulosus opacus undulatus (V-93)

variety are not commonly associate with St specie fractus .^[11][12]

supplementary feature

[edit]

precipitation – base supplementary feature

Praecipitatio

Stratus (usually species nebulosus) producing precipitation.^[13]

accessory cloud

Not usually see with stratus .^[13]

Genitus mother is clouds cloud andother mother sources

Stratus nimbostratogenitus

Stratus cumulogenitus

Stratus cumulonimbogenitus

Stratus cataractagenitus

generate by the spray from waterfall .

Stratus silvagenitus

A stratus cloud that forms as water vapor is added to the air above a forest.

Stratus homogenitus

Mutatus mother cloud

Stratus stratocumulomutatus

Tropospheric cloud types with Latin etymologies where applicable

[edit]

cloud type are sort in alphabetical order except where note.

Altocumulus (altus andcumulus)

Latin for “high heap”: Applied to mid-level stratocumuliform.

Altostratus (altus andstratus)

” high sheet ” : apply to mid – level stratiform .

cirrocumulus (cirrus andcumulus)

“Hair-like heap”: Applied to high-level stratocumuliform.

cirrostratus (cirrus andstratus)

” hair – like sheet ” : apply to high – level stratiform .

cirrus

” hair – like ” : apply to high – level cirriform .

Cumulonimbus (cumulus andnimbus)

“Precipitation-bearing heap”: Applied to vertical/multi-level cumulonimbiform.

Cumulus

“Heap”: Applied to low-level andvertical/multi-level cumuliform.

nimbostratu (nimbus andstratus)

“Precipitation-bearing sheet”: Applied to multi-level stratiform with vertical extent that produces precipitation of significant intensity.

Stratocumulus (stratus andcumulus)

“Sheet-like heap”: Applied to low-level stratocumuliform.

Stratus

“Sheet”: Applied to low-level mostly shallow stratiform.

castellanus ( cas )

Latin for “castle-like”: Applies to stratocumuliform (Sc cas, Ac cas, Cc cas) anddense cirriform (ci cas) with a series of turret shapes – indicates air mass instability.

Congestus ( Con )

Latin for “congested”: Applies to cumuliform (Cu con/Tcu) with great vertical development andheaped into cauliflower shapes – indicates considerable air mass instability andstrong upcurrents.

fibratus (fib)

“fibrous”: cirriform (ci fib) orhigh stratiform (Cs fib) in the form of filaments, can be straight or slightly curved; indicates strong, continuous upper winds.

Floccus (Flo)

“Tufted”: Applies to stratocumuliform (Sc flo, Ac flo, Cc flo) andhigh cirriform (ci flo); indicates some mid or high-level instability.

fractus ( Fra )

“Broken”: low stratiform (St fra) orcumuliform (Cu fra) with an irregular shredded appearance – forms in precipitation and/or gusty winds.

humili (Hum)

“Small”: Applies to cumuliform (Cu hum) with little vertical extent; indicates relatively slight air mass instability.

lenticularis ( Len )

“Lens–like”: Stratocumuliform (Sc len, Ac len, Cc len) having a lens-like appearance – formed by standing waves of wind passing over mountains or hills.

A translucent wave cloud – altocumulus lenticularis

Mediocris (Med)

“Medium-size”: Cumuliform (Cu med) with moderate vertical extent; indicates moderate instability andupcurrents.

Nebulosus (Neb)

“Nebulous”: Indistinct low andhigh stratiform (St neb, Cs neb) without features; indicates light wind if any andstable air mass.

Spissatus ( Spi )

“Dense”: Thick cirriform (ci spi) with a grey appearance; indicates some upward movement of air in the upper troposphere.

Stratiformis (Str)

” sheet – like ” : Horizontal cloud sheet is indicates of flatten stratocumuliform ( Sc str , Ac str , Cc str ) ; indicate very slight air mass instability .

Uncinus ( Unc )

” hook – like ” : cirriform is indicates ( ci unc ) with a hook shape at the top ; indicate a nearby backside is indicates of a weather system .

Volutus (Vol)

” roll ” : elongated , low or mid – level , tube shape , stratocumuliform ( Sc vol , Ac vol ) .

Thedivision of genus types into species is as shown in the following table. Thegenus types (including some cumulus sub-types) are arranged from top to bottom in the left column in approximate descending order of average overall altitude range. Thespecies are sorted from left to right in approximate ascending order of instability or vertical extent of the forms to which each belongs:

1. Stratiform species,
2. cirriform specie ,
3. Stratocumuliform species,
4. Cumuliform species,
5. Cumulonimbiform species.

These ordinal instability numbers appear in each box where a particular genus has a particular species.

level

Species (L-R)

Abbrev .

Neb

fib

Unc

Spi

Str

Len

Vol

Flo

cas

Fra

Hum

Med

Con

Cal

Cap

Genus name

Species name L-R

(no species)

Nebulosus

fibratus

Uncinus

Spissatus

Stratiformis

lenticularis

Volutus

Floccus

castellanus

fractus

humili

Mediocris

Congestus

Calvus

Capillatus

high

cirrus

ci

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

(2)

cirrocumulus

Cc

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

cirrostratus

Cs

( 1 )

( 1 )

middle

Altocumulus

Ac

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

Altostratus

As

( 1 )

tower vertical

Cumulonimbus (5)

cb

(5)

(5)

Cumulus congestus

Cu con or Tcu

( 4 )

moderate vertical

nimbostratu

n

( 1 )

Cumulus mediocris

Cu med

( 4 )

low

Stratocumulus

Sc

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

( 3 )

Cumulus humilis

Cu hum

( 4 )

( 4 )

Stratus

St

( 1 )

( 1 )

Opacity-based

Opacus

Latin for “Opaque”. A thick sheet of stratiform or stratocumuliform cloud.

perlucidus

“Semi-transparent”. Sheet of stratocumuliform cloud with small spaces between elements.

Translucidus

“Translucent”. Thin translucent patch or sheet of stratiform or stratocumuliform.

Pattern-based

Duplicatus

Latin for ” double ” . closely space often partly merge layer of cloud in one of several possible form .

Intortus

“Twisted”. Curved andtangled cirriform.

Lacunosus

“Full of holes”. Thin stratocumuliform cloud distinguished by holes andragged edges.

radiatus

“Radial”. Clouds in one of several possible forms arranged in parallel lines that appear to converge at a central point near the horizon.

Undulatus

“Wavy”. Stratiform or stratocumuliform cloud displaying an undulating pattern.

Vertebratus

” In the form of a back – bone ” . cirriform is arranged arrange to look like the back – bone of a vertebrate .

Thefollowing table shows the cloud varieties arranged across the top of the chart from left to right in approximate descending order of frequency of appearance. Thegenus types andsome sub-types associated with each variety are sorted in the left column from top to bottom in approximate descending order of average overall altitude range. Where applicable, the genera andvarieties are cross-classified to show the species normally associated with each combination of genus andvariety. Theexceptions comprise the following: Altostratus that have varieties but no species so the applicable boxes are marked without specific species names; cumulus congestus, a species that has its own altitude characteristic but no varieties; cumulonimbus that have species but no varieties, andnimbostratus that has no species or varieties. Theboxes for genus andspecies combinations that have no varieties are left blank.

level	Name	Abbrev .	Tra	Per	Opa	Dup	Und	Rad	Lac	Int	Ver
Abbrev .	Translucidus	perlucidus	Opacus	Duplicatus	Undulatus	radiatus	Lacunosus	Intortus	Vertebratus
high	cirrus	ci				fib Unc		fib Unc		fib	fib
cirrocumulus	Cc					str Len		Str, cas Flo
cirrostratus	Cs				fib	fib
middle	Altocumulus	Ac	Str	Str	Str	str Len	str Len	Str	Str, cas Flo
Altostratus	As	+		+	+	+	+
tower vertical	Cumulonimbus	cb
Cumulus congestus	Cu con or Tcu
moderate vertical	nimbostratu	n
Cumulus mediocris	Cu med						Med
low	Stratocumulus	Sc	Str	Str	Str	str Len	str Len	Str	Str, cas Flo
Cumulus humilis	Cu hum						Hum
Stratus	St	Neb		Neb		Neb

WMO supplementary features

[edit]

precipitation – base supplementary features

Praecipitatio

Latin for “falling”: Cloud whose precipitation reaches the ground.

Cumulonimbus praecipitatio

virga

“Twig” or “branch”: Cloud whose precipitation evaporates before reaching the ground.

cirrocumulus virga

Cloud – base supplementary features

Arcus

Latin for “arch” or “bow”: Feature mostly attached to cumulus, thick with ragged edges.

Cumulonimbus arcus

Asperitas

“Roughness”: A highly disturbed andchaotic wave feature occasionally seen with a stratocumulus or altocumulus cloud.

Stratocumulus undulatus asperitas

Cavum

“Hole”: Supercooled altocumulus or cirrocumulus distinguished by a hole with ragged edges andvirga or wisps of cirrus.

Altocumulus cavum

Cauda

“Tail”: A tail cloud that extends horizontally away from the murus cloud andis the result of air feeding into the storm.

Cumulonimbus murus cauda

Fluctus

crested wave – like stratocumulus , altocumulus , or cirrus cloud form by wind – shear .

Stratocumulus fluctus

Incus

” anvil ” : Top part of a mature cumulonimbus cloud ; anvil – shape feature .

Cumulonimbus incus mamma

Mammatus

WMO term mamma: “Breast”: A feature in the form of round pouches on under-surface of a cloud.

Mammatus over Squaw Valley

Murus

“Wall”: Cumulonimbus wall cloud with a lowering rotating base that can portend tornadoes.

Cumulonimbus murus

Tuba

“Funnel” or “tube”: Feature in the form of a column hanging from the bottom of cumulus or cumulonimbus.

Cumulonimbus tuba

accessory cloud

pannus

Latin for “shredded cloth”: A ragged or shredded accessory cloud that forms in precipitation below the main cloud.

nimbostratu pannus

Pileus

“Capped”: A hood-shaped accessory cloud.

Cumulonimbus pileus

Velum

“A ship’s sail”: An accessory cloud in the form of a sail.

Cumulonimbus velum

Thesupplementary features are associated with particular genera as follows. They are sorted from left to right in approximate decreasing order of frequency of occurrence for each of three categories. Thegenus types andsome sub-types are arranged from top to bottom in approximate descending order of average overall altitude range. Each box is marked where a particular genus or sub-type has a particular supplementary feature.

level	Name	Class	Precipitation-based	Cloud-based	Accessory cloud
Abbrev .	virga	Praecipitatio	Incus	Mamma	Arcus	Tuba	pannus	Pileus	Velum
high	cirrus	ci				+
cirrocumulus	Cc	+			+
cirrostratus	Cs
middle	Altocumulus	Ac	+			+
Altostratus	As	+	+		+			+
tower vertical	Cumulonimbus	cb	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+	+
Cumulus congestus	Cu con or Tcu	+	+		+	+		+	+	+
moderate vertical	nimbostratu	n	+	+					+
Cumulus mediocris	Cu med	+	+		+				+	+
low	Stratocumulus	Sc	+	+		+
Cumulus humilis	Cu hum		+
Stratus	St

Genitus mother is clouds cloud

[edit]

Altocumulogenitus

form by the partial transformation of altocumulus mother cloud .

Altostratogenitus

form by the partial transformation of altostratus .

cirrogenitus

Partial transformation of cirrus.

cirrocumulogenitus

Partial transformation of cirrocumulus.

cirrostratogenitus

partial transformation of cirrostratus .

cumulogenitu

Spreading out or partial transformation of cumulus.

Cumulonimbogenitus

spread out or partial transformation of cumulonimbus .

Nimbostratogenitus

Partial transformation of nimbostratus.

Stratogenitus

Partial transformation of stratus.

Stratocumulogenitus

partial transformation of stratocumulu .

Other genitus clouds

[edit]

Cataractagenitus (cataracta-/pertaining to a river cataract)

Formed from the mist at a waterfall, the downdraft caused from the cloud is counteracted by the ascending air displacement from the waterfall andmay go on to form other types of clouds such as cumulus cataractagenitus.^[20]

Flammagenitus (flamma-/pertaining to fire)

Formed by convection associated with large wildfires.

Homogenitus ( homo-/pertaine to human )

Formed as a result of human activities, particularly aircraft at high altitudes andheat-generating industrial activities at surface level. If a homogenitus cloud of one genus changes to another genus type, it is then termed a homomutatus cloud.

Silvagenitus (silva-/pertaining to trees or forests)

form by low – level condensation of water vapor release by vegetation , especially forest canopy .

Mutatus mother is clouds cloud

[edit]

Nomenclature works the same way as for genitus mother clouds except for the mutatus suffix is indicate to indicate thecomplete rather than the partial transformation of the original cloud type. e.g. Altocumulomutatus – formed by the complete transformation of altocumulus mother cloud.

Thepossible combinations of genera andmother clouds can be seen in this table. Thegenitus andmutatus clouds are each sorted from left to right in alphabetical order. Thegenus types andsome sub-types are arranged from top to bottom in approximate descending order of average overall altitude range. Each box is marked where a particular genus or sub-type has a particular genitus or mutatus mother cloud.

level

Name

Class

Genitus mother

Mutatus mother

Abbrev .

Ac

As

ci

Cc

Cs

Cu

cb

n

St

Sc

Ac

As

ci

Cc

Cs

Cu

cb

n

St

Sc

Abbrev .

altocumulo

altostrato

cirro

cirrocumulo

cirrostrato

cumulo

cumulonimbo

nimbostrato

strato

stratocumulo

altocumulo

altostrato

cirro

cirrocumulo

cirrostrato

cumulo

cumulonimbo

nimbostrato

strato

stratocumulo

high

cirrus

ci

+

+

+

+

cirrocumulus

Cc

+

+

+

cirrostratus

Cs

+

+

+

+

+

middle

Altocumulus

Ac

+

+

+

+

+

+

Altostratus

As

+

+

+

+

tower vertical

Cumulonimbus

cb

+

+

+

+

+

+

Cumulus congestus

Cu con or Tcu

moderate vertical

nimbostratu

n

+

+

+

+

+

Cumulus mediocris

Cu med

+

+

+

+

low

Stratocumulus

Sc

+

+

+

+

+

+

+

Cumulus humilis

Cu hum

+

+

+

+

Stratus

St

+

+

+

+

informal term recently accept for WMO classification with latin nomenclature

[edit]

Aviaticus cloud

Persistent condensation trails (contrails) formed by ice crystals originating from water vapor emitted by aircraft engines. Usually resembles cirrus; recognized as a WMO genitus cloud cirrus homogenitus (man-made). Further transformation into cirrus, cirrocumulus, or cirrostratus homomutatus is possible depending on atmospheric stability andwind shear.

Fallstreak hole

Supercooled altocumulus or cirrocumulus distinguished by a hole with ragged edges andvirga or wisps of cirrus. Accepted as a WMO supplementary feature to be named cavum (hole).

Kelvin–Helmholtz cloud

Fluctus cloud over Mount Duval in AustraliaCrested wave – like cloud form by wind – shear instability that may occur at any altitude in the troposphere . accept as a WMO supplementary feature with the latin namefluctus.

Pyrocumulus andPyrocumulonimbus

Cumulus andcumulonimbus clouds formed by quickly generated ground heat; including forest fires, volcanic eruptions andlow level nuclear detonation. Accepted as a WMO genitus cloud with the Latin name flammagenitus, or homogenitus in the case of small cumulus form by contain human activity .

Roll cloud

Roll cloud over WisconsinElongated, low-level, tube shaped, horizontal formation not associated with a parent cloud. Accepted as a WMO stratocumulus or altocumulus species with the Latin name volutus.^[21]

• Accessory cloud (WMO supplementary feature) – secondary cloud that is associated with but separate from a main cloud.
• Anvil (WMO supplementary feature incus) – the anvil top of a cumulonimbus cloud.
• Anvil dome (WMO supplementary feature incus) – the overshooting top on a cb that is often present on a supercell.
• Anvil rollover – (slang) circular protrusion attached to underside of anvil.

Anvil rollover

• Arcus cloud (WMO supplementary feature) – arch or a bow shape, attached to cumulus, thick with ragged edges.
• backsheared anvil – ( slang ) anvil that spread upwind , indicative of extreme weather .
• Clear slot or dry slot (informal term) – an evaporation of clouds as a rear flank downdraft descends anddries out cloud andoccludes around a mesocyclone.
• cloud tag ( WMO specie fractus ) – ragged detached portion of cloud .
• Collar cloud (WMO velum accessory cloud) – ring shape surrounding upper part of wall cloud.
• Condensation funnel (WMO supplementary feature tuba) – the cloud of a funnel cloud aloft or a tornado.
• Altocumulus castellanus (WMO genus andspecies) – castle crenellation-shaped altocumulus clouds.
• Cumulus (WMO genus) – heaped clouds.
• Cumulus castellanus – (informal variation of WMO genus andspecies cumulus congestus) cumulus with tops shaped like castle crenellations.
• Cumulus congestus (WMO genus andspecies) – considerable vertical development andheaped into cauliflower shapes.
• Cumulus fractus (WMO genus andspecies) – ragged detached portions of cumulus cloud.
• Cumulus humilis (WMO genus andspecies) – small, low, flattened cumulus, early development.
• Cumulus mediocris (WMO genus andspecies) – medium-sized cumulus with bulges at the top.
• Cumulus pileus (WMO genus andaccessory cloud) – capped, hood-shaped cumulus cloud.
• Cumulus praecipitatio (WMO genus andsupplementary feature) – cumulus whose precipitation reaches the ground.
• Cumulus radiatus (WMO genus andvariety) – cumulus arranged in parallel lines that appear to converge near the horizon.

Cumulus radiatus clouds

• Cumulus tuba (WMO genus andsupplementary feature) – column hanging from the bottom of cumulus.
• Cumulonimbus (WMO genus) – heaped towering rain-bearing clouds that stretch to the upper levels of the troposphere.
• Cumulonimbus calvus (WMO genus andspecies) – cumulonimbus with round tops like cumulus congestus.
• Cumulonimbus capillatus (WMO genus andspecies) – cb with cirriform top.
• Cumulonimbus incus (WMO genus andsupplementary feature) – cb capillatus with anvil top.
• Cumulonimbus mamma (WMO genus andsupplementary feature) – cb with pouch-like protrusions that hang from under anvil or cloud base.
• Cumulonimbus pannus (WMO genus andaccessory cloud) – shredded sections attached to main cb cloud.
• Cumulonimbus pileus (WMO genus andaccessory cloud) – capped, hood-shaped cloud above a cumulonimbus cloud.
• Cumulonimbus praecipitatio (WMO genus andsupplementary feature) – cb whose precipitation reaches the ground.
• Cumulonimbus tuba (WMO genus andsupplementary feature) – column hanging from the bottom of cumulonimbus.
• Debris cloud (informal term) – rotating “cloud” of debris found at base of tornado.
• Funnel cloud (WMO supplementary feature tuba) – rotating funnel of cloud hanging from under cb, not making contact with ground.
• Hail fog is be ( informal term ) – a shallow surface layer of fog that sometimes form in vicinity of deep hail accumulation , can be very dense .
• Hot tower (informal term) – a tropical cumulonimbus cloud that penetrates the tropopause.
• Inflow band (informal term) – a laminar band marking inflow to a cb, can occur at lower or mid levels of the cloud.
• Inverted cumulus (informal variation of WMO supplementary feature mamma) – cumulus which has transferred momentum from an exceptionally intense cb tower andis convectively growing on the underside of an anvil.
• Knuckles (informal variation of WMO supplementary feature mamma) – lumpy protrusion that hangs from edge or underside of anvil.
• Pyrocumulus andPyrocumulonimbus– intense ground-heat cloud proposed for WMO classification (see above).
• Rope – (slang) narrow, sometimes twisted funnel type cloud seen after a tornado dissipates.
• Rope cloud (informal term) – A narrow, long, elongated line of cumulus clouds that sometimes develop at the leading edge of an advancing cold front that is often visible in satellite imagery.^[22]
• Scud cloud (informal term for WMO species fractus) – ragged detached portions of cloud that usually form in precipitation.
• Shelf cloud (informal term for WMO supplementary feature arcus) – wedge-shaped cloud often attached to the underside of cb.
• Stratus fractus (WMO genus andspecies) – ragged detached portions of stratus cloud that usually form in precipitation (see also scud cloud).
• Striations (informal term for WMO accessory cloud velum) – a groove or band of clouds encircling an updraft tower, indicative of rotation.
• Tail cloud (informal term) – an area of condensation consisting of laminar band andcloud tags extending from a wall cloud towards a precipitation core.
• tower cumulus (TCu) -aviation term for WMO genus andspecies cumulus congestus, a large cumulus cloud with great vertical development, usually with a cauliflower-like appearance, but lacking the characteristic anvil of a cb.
• Wall cloud (informal term) – distinctive fairly large lowering of the rain-free base of a cb, often rotating.

Thick overcast clouds of sulfur dioxide andcarbon dioxide in three main layers at altitudes of 45 to 65 km that obscure the planet’s surface andcan produce virga.^[23]

Stratiform

Overcast opaque clouds sheets.

Stratocumuliform

Wave clouds with clear gaps through which lower stratiform layers may be seen.^[24]

Cumuliform andcumulonimbiform

Embedded convective cells that can produce lightning.

Clouds resembling several terrestrial types can be seen over Mars andare believed to be composed of water-ice.^[25][26]

Extremely high cirriform

Noctilucent clouds are known to form near the poles at altitudes similar to or higher than the same type of clouds over Earth.^[27]

high cirriform

thin scatter wispy cloud resemble cirrus through which the planet ‘s surface can be see .

high stratocumuliform

thin scatter wave – cloud resemble cirrocumulus .

low stratocumuliform

Wave-cloud resembling stratocumulus, especially as a polar cap cloud over the winter pole which is mostly composed of suspended frozen carbon dioxide.^[25][26]

surface – base

Morning fog of water and/or carbon dioxide commonly forms in low areas of the planet.

Cloud decks in parallel bands of latitude at andbelow the tropopause alternately composed of ammonia crystals andammonium hydrosulfate.

cirriform

band of cloud resemble cirrus locate mainly in the high of three main layer that cover Jupiter .^[28]

Stratiform andstratocumuliform

Wave andhaze clouds that are seen mostly in the middle layer.

Cumuliform andcumulonimbiform

Convective clouds in the lowest layer that are capable of producing thunderstorms andmay be composed at least partly of water droplets.^[29] an intermediate deck of ammonium hydrosulfide, andan inner deck of cumulus water clouds.^[30][31]

Cloud layers composed mainly of methane gas.^[32]

cirriform

high wispy formations resembling cirrus.

Stratiform

layer of haze – cloud that lack any distinct feature .

Cumuliform andcumulonimbiform

lower-based convective clouds that can produce thunderstorms.^[32]

Notes andreferences

[edit]

1. ^ World Meteorological Organization, ed. (2017). “Cloud Identification Guide, International Cloud Atlas”. retrieve4 April 2017.
2. ^ E.C. Barrett andC.K. Grant (1976). “Theidentification of cloud types in LANDSAT MSS images”. NASA. retrieve2012 – 08 – 22.
3. ^ World Meteorological Organization, ed. (2017). “Definitions, International Cloud Atlas”. retrieve30 March 2017.
4. ^ World Meteorological Organization, ed. (2017). “Upper atmospheric clouds, International Cloud Atlas”. retrieve31 July 2017.
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Cloud genera andselected species, supplementary features, andother airborne hydrometeor – WMO Latin terminology except where indicated
Mesospheric	extreme – level 80–85 km Noctilucent ( NLC ) Polar mesospheric clouds Noctilucent type I veils Noctilucent type II bands noctilucent type III is billows billow Noctilucent type IV whirls
Stratospheric
Tropospheric	high-level 3–18 km Medium-level 2–8 km low-level 0–2 km Non-height specific