Cloud Identification Guide: Cloudspotting 101
Learn everything you need to know about cloud identification and classification
Clouds are the equivalent of an ever-evolving painting in the sky. They have the ability to make for sunrises magnificent and sunsets spectacular. We’re surrounded by clouds almost every day of our lives. Doesn’t it seems like cloud identification should be something that comes naturally to us?
So why isn’t it? Maybe it’s because cloud names and terms are all in latin, and latin names scare us. Maybe it’s because we think we need a Ph.D in Atmospheric Sciences or Meteorology (not true!). Whatever the reason is, this site has been created to do one thing: help you easily identify and classify all different types of clouds.
The information below was created as a comprehensive guide to cloud identification and classification. Consider this page an instruction manual to the rest of the site. Let’s get started! ⛅️
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Cloud Identification 101: An Intro to Cloud Types
Below is an introduction and an infographic of each of the ten cloud types, or cloud generas. Each cloud name is comprised of one or two latin terms and are generally found organized by their level, or altitude.
The Three High Level Clouds
Cirrus (Ci) – High-altitude, thin, and wispy cloud streaks made of ice crystals
Cirrocumulus (Cc) – Small, flakey, and white high-altitude cumulus patches
Cirrostratus (Cs) – Thin, transparent, high-altitude layer capable of producing a halo
The Three Middle Level Clouds
Altocumulus (Ac) – Middle-altitude cumulus clouds arranged in groups or rolls
Altostratus (As) – Featureless, gray layer cloud capable of masking the sun
Nimbostratus (Ns) – Dark and featureless layer cloud responsible for rain and snow
The Four Low Level Clouds
Cumulonimbus (Cb) – Dark-based storm cloud capable of impressive vertical growth
Cumulus (Cu) – Low-altitude, fluffy heaps of clouds with cotton-like appearance
Stratus (St) – Gray, featureless low-altitude cloud capable of ground contact
Stratocumulus (Sc) – Thicker, dark gray, and somewhat conjoined heaps of clouds
In the next section, we’ll discuss the origins of these cloud types, their latin names and how they got their names, and how it pertains to the craft of cloud identification.
The 5 Latin Terms of Cloud Types
The ten different types of clouds are comprised of only five latin terms: cirro-, cumulo-, strato-, nimbo-, and alto-. These five terms are the building blocks of cloud types. The better you understand these terms and how to apply them, the easier cloud identification becomes.
Cirro- is translated from latin meaning ‘curl’.
There are three clouds that include the term ‘cirro’: cirrus, cirrocumulus, and cirrostratus. While this term is translated as ‘curl’, that doesn’t mean these three clouds are curly (though cirrus clouds can be, which makes it an appropriate name). The more important takeaway from this term is that the three clouds that include the term ‘cirro’ are found in the highest layer of the troposphere, which is the lowest layer of the Earth’s atmosphere found closest to the ground. That means these clouds can be found between approximately 16,000 and 50,000 feet, or 5 and 15 kilometers.
Cumulo- is translated from latin meaning ‘heap’.
There are five clouds that include the term ‘cumulo’: cumulus, stratocumulus, cumulonimbus, altocumulus, and cirrocumulus. Heap can also be described as piled or puffy. That means these five clouds have at least some puffy and heap-like characteristics to them.
Strato- is translated from latin meaning ‘layer’.
There are five clouds that include the term ‘strato’: stratus, stratocumulus, nimbostratus, altostratus, and cirrostratus. A layer cloud can be described as a cloud blanket that has much less definition relative to a heap cloud. The five clouds that listed here are generally featureless clouds relative to other clouds.
Nimbo- is translated from latin meaning ‘rain’.
There are only two clouds that include the term ‘nimbo’: cumulonimbus and nimbostratus. They are the only clouds that are regular rain producers.
Alto- is translated from latin meaning ‘high’.
There are only two clouds with the term ‘alto’: altocumulus and altostratus. The translation can be a bit deceiving because these clouds aren’t the clouds found in the highest part of the troposphere. Altocumulus simply means they’re still cumulus clouds, but they’re found higher than regular cumulus clouds. Similarly, altostratus means they’re still stratus clouds but found higher than stratus clouds. These clouds can be found between approximately 7,000 and 23,000 feet, or 2 and 7 kilometers.
Two Approaches to Identifying Cloud Types
Now that we have a basic knowledge of cloud types and their relative latin terms, let’s discuss cloud identification techniques. In our own personal cloud classification journeys the past several years, we’ve found it best to organize clouds in two ways. The first is by cloud levels (relative distance from the ground), and the second is by specific groupings relating to their latin terms we just discussed above.
Cloud level groupings
The first strategy is to organize clouds by their altitude levels: high, middle, and low. This is a bit of a repeat from the above table when you were introduced to cloud types, but it’s important enough to review once more.
High altitude: Cirrus, cirrocumulus, and cirrostratus are the three cloud types found in the highest level of the atmosphere. As a general overview, these clouds are high wispy clouds, high puffy clouds, and high layer clouds respectively.
Middle altitude: Altocumulus, altostratus, and nimbostratus are the three cloud types found in the middle level. Note that the nimbostratus cloud base is found in the lower level closest to the ground, but grows vertically into the middle level.
Low altitude: Cumulus, stratocumulus, stratus, and cumulonimbus clouds are the remaining four clouds, which are found in the lower level. It should be noted that cumulus clouds have the potential to grow vertically into the middle level, and cumulonimbus clouds are the only cloud that extends into all three levels, though their cloud base is always in the low level.
Latin term groupings
The second strategy is to organize clouds by five specific groupings outlined below. This is also a bit of a repeat of the latin terms that were already discussed, but again, an important concept worth learning.
Three (3) layer clouds: Stratus, altostratus, and cirrostratus. These three clouds can be described as featureless blanket cloud layers. Each of these clouds are found at different levels.
Three (3) heap clouds: Cumulus, altocumulus, and cirrocumulus. These three clouds can be described as puffy clouds, each found at different levels.
One (1) layer-heap cloud: Stratocumulus clouds. They’re a low level cloud that fall somewhere in between a cumulus and a stratus cloud. This cloud stands alone and have a lot of characteristics that make it unique.
Two (2) rain clouds: Cumulonimbus and nimbostratus. These clouds are easier to pick out. If the cloud is producing precipitation, there’s a very strong chance that it’s one of these two clouds. A general rule of thumb is if it’s stormy, it’s cumulonimbus. If it’s not, it’s nimbostratus.
One (1) wispy cloud: Cirrus clouds. Their wispy appearance makes them unique and easy to pick out. Cirrus clouds stand in a league of their own as high, feathery streaks.
As you become more comfortable with understanding both above cloud identification techniques of cloud level and latin term groupings, cloud classification becomes almost effortless.
Cloud Identification 201: Species, Varieties, & Beyond
Cloud identification doesn’t stop with the cloud type! Did you know that in addition to the ten main cloud types, there are 34 other latin terms that can be utilized to further describe a cloud? There are fifteen cloud species, nine cloud varieties, eleven supplementary features, four accessory clouds, and five other kinds of clouds.
If you’re learning about this for the first time, don’t worry! We’ve designed cloud identification chart that can help you visualize all cloud types and subtypes 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.
Understanding what each of these 34 latin terms mean, what each cloud physically look likes, and when to apply these terms will take some time and discipline. We’ve organized this site in such a format that we hope makes the whole learning process much easier.
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 applying cloud classification hierarchy, the proper taxonomic ranks would be as follows: cloud type > cloud species > cloud varieties > 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 varieties, 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 also may receive a different classification depending on varying points of view. A thunderstorm cloud (cumulonimbus) can look very different viewing it 30 miles to the west compared to viewing it 10 miles to the east. Cirrus clouds viewed on the distant horizon might receive a different classification than if you they were viewed 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!
Two Working Examples of Cloud Identification
Let’s take everything we’ve learned above and use them in real life examples. Below we’ll look at two different clouds. We’ll take you through a thought process of how to properly classify them using techniques we’ve found that work well.
Example #1 – A Foggy, Dreary Morning
Above is a scene of a road where visibility is decreased from a low-hanging cloud which is practically touching the ground. This is a low-level cloud. If you remember, the four clouds that are found in the lowest level are cumulus, stratocumulus, stratus, and cumulonimbus. But this cloud has no detail. It’s a blanket cloud and a featureless layer, which is the perfect description of a stratus cloud.
But to further describe this stratus cloud, let’s further investigate to see what cloud species might be applied. Using this website as a field guide, stratus clouds can be associated with the fractus cloud species and nebulosus cloud species. The species ‘fractus’ describe clouds are ragged and broken up, where the species ‘nebulosus’ describe clouds are full of vapor and lack detail. While it’s not always necessary to apply a cloud species to an observation as we discussed above, in this example, the cloud lacks any kind of detail whatsoever. The species nebulosus would be applied here.
Next, let’s see if there are any cloud varieties that might be applied. Stratus clouds have three associated cloud varieties: opacus (latin for opaque), translucidus (latin for translucent), and undulatus (latin for undulating). In this example, it would appear that the cloud is thick enough to sufficiently block out the sun. The cloud isn’t translucent, and it’s not undulating. In this case, it’s appropriate to apply the opacus cloud variety.
Let’s see if there are any supplementary features that might be applied. Stratus clouds have two associated supplementary features: fluctus and praecipitatio. Fluctus describes clouds that have wave formations (also known as Kelvin-helmholtz instability) while praecipitatio is the latin term for precipitation. This cloud has neither, so there isn’t a need to apply a feature to it.
Finally, stratus clouds don’t have any associated accessory clouds, but they do have several other clouds associated with the cloud type: cataractagenitus (cloud created from waterfalls), homogenitus (cloud created from human activity), and silvagenitus (cloud created from forest evaporation). This cloud has neither of these three.
With that, we’ve arrived at our official classification: Stratus nebulosus opacus (St neb op).
In this example, we determined the cloud classification starting from the cloud type and working our way down through cloud species, varieties, features, and accessories taxonomy. In the next example, we’ll work backwards by identifying a cloud feature first instead of the cloud type.
Example #2 – A Warm, Muggy Afternoon
Above is a scene of a puffy cloud in the distance towering over some trees in the foreground. Notice something interesting about this cloud? The most distinct aspect of the cloud pictured is the smooth cap that sits overtop the tower. This cloud is recognized as a pileus cloud accessory.
Knowing what the accessory cloud is can be helpful in deciding the cloud type and ultimately classifying the cloud. Of the ten cloud types, only two cloud types are capable of creating a pileus accessory cloud: cumulus and cumulonimbus.
So as we decide between these two cloud types, consider the differences between cumulus and cumulonimbus clouds. If the cloud has precipitation or lightning, you would be observing a cumulonimbus cloud, or thunderstorm. In this case, the cloud is definitely growing, but there’s no sign of rain or lightning. In this case, we’ll ultimately decide the cloud is a cumulus cloud.
But the cloud is tall. It’s not your ordinary puffy cumulus cloud. It’s towering and seemingly on the rise. This is an ideal example of a cumulus congestus, which is the cloud species describing a cumulus cloud that’s taller than it is wide.
Before finalizing the official classification, double check to see if any other cloud varieties, features, or accessories can be applied. Cumulus clouds only have one variety, radiatus (sometimes known as cloud streets), which doesn’t apply in this case. Cumulus clouds also have five associated supplementary features: arcus, fluctus, praecipitatio, tuba, and virga. In observing this cloud, it has none of these, so there isn’t a need to apply a feature to its classification. Cumulus clouds also have three associated accessory clouds: pannus, pileus, and velum. We’ve already decided it has a pileus accessory, but pannus and velum accessories don’t apply.
With that, we’ve arrived at our official classification: Cumulus congestus pileus (Cu con pil).
In this example, we determined the cloud classification starting from identifying an accessory cloud and working backwards to determine its ultimate classification. As you become more familiar with cloud species, varieties, features, and accessories, the easier it is to identify clouds as a whole by not necessarily recognizing cloud types first.
This example should get you more excited for cloud species, varieties, features, and accessories. They’re pieces of the puzzle that help you put it all together.
Want more working examples? Check out our step-by-step cloud classification lessons and improve your skills!
How to Get Started in Cloudspotting
Using this website and the information above should help you get started into cloudspotting, cloud identification, and cloud classification. The key to your success is practice. Every time you see a cloud, take a few seconds out of your day and try to determine its cloud type. You’d be surprised how quickly this skill can be picked up.
As a general tip, if you’re trying to decide the type of cloud you’re looking at, sometimes a good strategy is to also decide what it’s not. This way, you can figure out the cloud type and even reach the cloud’s official classification by process of elimination.
Take photos of the clouds you see and reference them back to photos of clouds on this website. Each cloud type on this site has a handful of photographs and illustrations that you can reference which will help you hone your cloud identification skills. And if there’s a cloud you’re uncertain about, we have social media accounts that that are set up to help. Tweet us or Instagram us using the hashtag #WhatsThisCloud. We’d be happy to take a look and give you a hand. ⛅