Cloud Identification Guide: Cloudspotting 101

cloud identification is stop does n’t stop with the cloud type ! Did you is know know that in addition to the ten main cloud type , there are 34 other latin term that can be utilize to further describe a cloud ? There are fifteen cloud specie , nine cloud variety , eleven supplementary feature , four accessory cloud , and five other kind of cloud .

If you ’re learn about this for the first time , do n’t worry ! We is designed ’ve design   cloud identification chart that can help you visualize all cloud type and subtype in a single infographic .

As you become more familiar with these terms, you’ll see not all cloud types can be any species, variety, etc. For example, the calvus cloud species describes a cumulonimbus cloud that has a bald appearance. This term is only used to describe a particular cumulonimbus cloud and no other cloud type.

understand what each of these 34 latin term mean , what each cloud physically look like , and when to apply these term will take some time and discipline . We is organized ’ve organize this site in such a format that we hope make the whole learning process much easy .

Proper Hierarchy of Cloud Classifications

Before jumping in to several examples of identifying clouds, let’s discuss the hierarchy of cloud classification. Remember back to biology class where you studied the scientific classification of animals? You have the seven levels of animal taxonomy: kingdom, phylum, class, order, family, genus, and species. Cloud classification isn’t much different.

When apply cloud classification hierarchy , the proper taxonomic ranks is be would be as follow :cloud type > cloud species > cloud variety > supplementary features > accessory clouds > other clouds.

There are only a few subtleties you should know. First, a cloud type doesn’t necessarily need to be given any species, varieties, features, or accessories. You’ll find plenty of instances where it’s perfectly acceptable to classify a cloud as only ‘cirrus’ or ‘cumulus’. Second, a cloud cannot have more than one associated cloud species applied to it. Finally, it’s possible for a cloud to have multiple cloud variety, supplementary features, and accessory clouds.

As you go about identifying and classifying clouds, if you’re certain of the cloud type but uncertain about the cloud species or varieties, a good rule of thumb is to not apply species, varieties, etc. Don’t feel obligated to apply a cloud species or variety if it doesn’t better describe the cloud.

Cloud Identification Isn’t Always Black and White

As you learn more about cloud identification, you’ll come across photographs of a sky full of only high, wispy cirrus clouds. Or you’ll be shown a picture of a sky that contains one lone, perfectly structured, cumulonimbus cloud. For learning purposes, it’s ideal to be shown clouds in this format. It’s visually pleasing and avoids confusion between varying cloud types.

But the reality is that more often than not, you’ll walk outside on any given day and see a complex sky full of different cloud types, species, and varieties. The sky is constantly shifting and clouds are forever evolving. This is an important concept that’s for some reason rarely discussed in other cloud identification guides and literature.

additionally , clouds is receive also may receive a different classification depend on vary point of view . A thunderstorm cloud is look ( cumulonimbus ) can look very different view it 30 mile to the west compare to view it 10 mile to the east . Cirrus cloud view on the distant horizon might receive a different classification than if you they were view from right beneath them .

When you try to determine the species of insects, birds, or trees, there’s a right and wrong answer. That’s not the case with cloud identification. Other cloud identification guides and books fail to drive this point home. This is probably the most challenging aspect of cloud identification, but it’s what makes cloud identification fun!