Cloud Index
Browse the complete Cloud Index of cloud types, species, varieties, features, accessories, lessons, guides, and resources.
The complete cloud taxonomy
Every public taxonomy page is linked here with descriptive anchor text, so people and search engines can reach the full field guide.
Cloud Types
The ten main cloud genera, organized by height and shape.
Cirrus Clouds: High, Wispy StreaksLearn all about cirrus clouds, including cirrus cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Cirrocumulus Clouds: High-altitude CloudletsLearn about cirrocumulus clouds, including cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Cirrostratus Clouds: Pale, Veil-like LayerLearn about cirrostratus clouds, including cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Altocumulus Clouds: Mid-altitude Cloud HeapsLearn about altocumulus clouds, including cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Altostratus Clouds: Mid-altitude Gray LayerLearn about altostratus clouds, including cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Nimbostratus Clouds: Precipitation LayerLearn about nimbostratus clouds, including cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Cumulonimbus Clouds: ThunderstormsLearn about cumulonimbus clouds, including cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Cumulus Clouds: Low, Puffy, Fair-weatherLearn about cumulus clouds, including cumulus cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Stratus Clouds: Low, Featureless LayerLearn about stratus clouds, including stratus cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Stratocumulus Clouds: Low, Puffy LayerLearn about stratocumulus clouds, including cloud description and facts, images, how to best identify them, and their species, varieties, and features.
Cloud Species
Distinct shapes and structures within a cloud type.
Calvus Cloud Species: Without Cirriform, HairlessGet a full description of cumulonimbus calvus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Capillatus Cloud Species: Fibrous Upper PortionGet a full description of cumulonimbus capillatus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Castellanus Cloud Species: Rising Towers, TurretsGet a full description of the castellanus cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Congestus Cloud Species: Taller Than It Is WideGet a full description of cumulus congestus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Fibratus Cloud Species: Fiberlike, HairlikeGet a full description of the fibratus cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Floccus Cloud Species: Puffy, Ragged TuftsGet a full description of the floccus cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Fractus Cloud Species: Ragged, Broken UpGet a full description of the fractus cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Humilis Cloud Species: Wider Than It Is TallGet a full description of cumulus humilis clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Lenticularis Cloud Species: Lens-Shaped, UFO-likeGet a full description of the lenticularis cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Mediocris Cloud Species: Tall As It Is WideGet a full description of cumulus mediocris clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Nebulosus Cloud Species: Full Of Vapor, Lacks DetailGet a full description of the nebulosus cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Spissatus Cloud Species: Packed Tightly, DenseGet a full description of cirrus spissatus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Stratiformis Cloud Species: Horizontal, Layer-LikeGet a full description of the stratiformis cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Uncinus Cloud Species: Curved, Comma-ShapedGet a full description of cirrus uncinus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Volutus Cloud Species: Tube-Shaped Roll CloudGet a full description of the volutus cloud species, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Cloud Varieties
Cloud arrangements, transparency, and repeating patterns.
Duplicatus Cloud Variety: MultilayeredLearn about the duplicatus cloud variety, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Intortus Cloud Variety: Interlaced, EntangledLearn about cirrus intortus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Lacunosus Cloud Variety: Perforated, Frayed HolesLearn about the lacunosus cloud variety, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Opacus Cloud Variety: Opaque, Masks The SunLearn about the opacus cloud variety, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Perlucidus Cloud Variety: Transparent By Small GapsLearn about the perlucidus cloud variety, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Radiatus Cloud Variety: Parallel Bands And StripsLearn about the radiatus cloud variety, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Translucidus Cloud Variety: See-Through, TranslucentLearn about the translucidus cloud variety, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Undulatus Cloud Variety: Wavelike, UndulatingLearn all about undulatus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Vertebratus Cloud Variety: Fishbone, Resembling RibsLearn all about cirrus vertebratus clouds, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Supplementary Features
Special formations attached to or associated with a cloud.
Arcus Cloud Feature: Shelf Cloud, Gust CollarLearn about the arcus cloud feature (shelf clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Asperitas Cloud Feature: Chaotic, Wavy UnderneathLearn about the asperitas cloud feature, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Cauda Cloud Feature: Tail Cloud, Attached To MurusLearn about the cumulonimbus cauda cloud (tail cloud), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more
Cavum Cloud Feature: Fallstreak Hole, Hole PunchLearn about the cavum cloud feature (fallstreak hole), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Fluctus Cloud Feature: Kelvin-Helmholtz Waves, CurlsLearn about the fluctus cloud feature (Kelvin-Helmholtz clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Incus Cloud Feature: Anvil Above A CumulonimbusLearn about cumulonimbus incus clouds (anvil clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Mamma Cloud Feature: Sac-Like, Resembles Cow UddersLearn all about mammatus clouds (mamma), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Murus Cloud Feature: Wall Cloud, Cloud LoweringLearn about the cumulonimbus murus cloud (wall cloud), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Praecipitatio Cloud Feature: Surface PrecipitationLearn about the praecipitatio cloud feature, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Tuba Cloud Feature: Funnel Cloud, TornadoLearn about the tuba cloud feature (funnel clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Virga Cloud Feature: Evaporating Strips of PrecipitationLearn about the virga cloud feature, including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Accessory Clouds
Smaller clouds that accompany a larger parent cloud.
Flumen Cloud Accessory: Beaver Tail CloudLearn about the flumen cloud accessory (beaver tail cloud), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Pannus Cloud Accessory: Ragged Frazzles, ScudLearn about the pannus cloud accessory (scud clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Pileus Cloud Accessory: Cap, Hood Over A CumuliformLearn about the pileus cloud accessory (cap clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Velum Cloud Accessory: Horizontal Cloud VeilLearn about the velum cloud accessory (cloud veil), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Other Clouds
Clouds named for how they formed or changed.
Cataractagenitus Cloud: Waterfall Condensation, SprayLearn about cataractagenitus clouds (waterfall condensation), including pictures and images of their various characteristics and how to identify them.
Flammagenitus Cloud: Pyrocumulus, Caused From FireLearn about flammagenitus clouds (pyrocumulus), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Homogenitus Cloud: Caused By Human ActivityLearn about homogenitus clouds (human-caused clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Homomutatus Cloud: Caused By Human ActivityLearn about homomutatus clouds (human-caused clouds), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Silvagenitus Cloud: Evaporation From A ForestLearn about silvagenitus clouds (forest evaporation), including pictures and images of their various characteristics, how to identify them, and more.
Guides, lessons, journal, and shop
Continue beyond the taxonomy with learning resources, practical examples, articles, posters, and site information.
Guides and Resources
Identification guides, charts, downloads, frequently asked questions, and ways to explore the field guide.
Cloud Identification Chart: Infographic & Printable PDFUse this cloud identification chart and infographic to help your cloudspotting skills and to learn more about cloud identification and classification.
Cloud Identification Guide: Cloudspotting 101Learn everything you need to know about cloud identification, classification, and different cloud types in this comprehensive cloud identification guide.
Cloud Types Ebook: Free Download | WhatsThisCloudDownload "The Complete Guide To The Ten Different Types Of Clouds & How To Identify Them" for free.- What's This Cloud: Frequently Asked QuestionsHave a question about clouds? Want to know how ordering products works on our store? Get them answered through our freqnetly asked questions here.
Lessons
Step-by-step examples for practicing cloud identification and full classifications.
Altocumulus floccus (Ac flo)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Altocumulus floccus (Ac flo) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Altocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (Ac len du)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Altocumulus lenticularis (Ac len) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Altostratus opacus (As op)Learn how to identify altostratus opacus by its widespread, opaque mid-level layer in this step-by-step cloud classification lesson.
Cirrostratus fibratus (Cs fib)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Cirrostratus fibratus (Cs fib) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Cumulonimbus arcus praecipitatio pannus (Cb arc pra pan)Learn how to identify cumulonimbus arcus with praecipitatio and pannus in this step-by-step cloud classification lesson.
Cumulonimbus calvus praecipitatio (Cb cal pra)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Cumulonimbus calvus (Cb cal) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Cumulus congestus (Cu con)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Cumulus congestus (Cu con) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Cumulus humilis (Cu hum)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Cumulus humilis (Cu hum) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Stratocumulus floccus (Sc flo)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Stratocumulus floccus (Sc flo) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Stratus fractus fluctus (St fra flu)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Stratus fluctus (St flu) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Stratus nebulosus translucidus (St neb tr)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Stratus nebulosus (St neb) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Stratus opacus undulatus (St op un)Learn to identify a cloud that holds the classification of Stratus undulatus (St un) in this week's cloud classification lesson.
Shop
Cloud identification posters, classification posters, and poster bundles.
3-for-1 Cloud Poster BundleElevate your cloud knowledge with our exclusive 3-for-1 Cloud Poster Bundle. Our collection of posters is perfect for cloud enthusiasts, educators, and anyone fascinated by the beauty and complexity of the sky. Featuring three unique and informative posters, this bundle offers a comprehensive visual guide to cloud classification, identification, and types.
Cloud Classification Poster - 24x36Learn about cloud classification in this 24x36 poster print. Professionally printed and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Cloud Identification Chart - 18x24Learn about cloud identification in this 18x24 poster print. Professionally printed and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Cloud Types Poster - 36x24Learn about the ten different cloud types in this 36x24 poster print. Professionally printed and 100% satisfaction guarantee.
Journal
Cloudspotting articles, field-guide news, and behind-the-scenes updates.
A Complete Cloud Identification & Cloudspotting GuideLearn about What's This Cloud, built as a cloudspotting & cloud identification guide to make your cloud identification adventures more fun & knowledgeable.
An Introduction to What’s This CloudIntroducing What's This Cloud, a website dedicated to helping everyday weather hobbyists, cloud enthusiasts, and sky watchers of all ages learn to identify and classify all different types of clouds.
Announcing Our Cloud Types EbookToday we’re excited to launch something we’ve been working on the past several months, our cloud types ebook. Download the ebook for free.
Cloud Identification Posters by WhatsThisCloudAnnouncing the release of three cloud identification posters that we’ve designed available for purchase and major improvements to our website.
Site Information
About, contact, accessibility, policies, shipping information, and the full sitemap.
- About What’s This CloudLearn why What’s This Cloud exists, how its original cloud photography and illustrations make identification easier, and meet founder Greg Goodson.
- Accessibility StatementLearn about the accessibility goals and contact path for What's This Cloud.
- Contact UsGet in touch with the team at What's This Cloud. Shoot us an email or message us on Instagram or Twitter.
- Privacy PolicyThanks for reading our privacy policy. Internet privacy is a big deal, and your privacy is critically important to us.
- Shipping and ReturnsReview flat shipping rates for US, Canadian, and international What's This Cloud poster orders, plus the current returns status.
- SitemapBrowse every public page on What's This Cloud, organized by cloud type, classification, lesson, resource, and site information.
- Terms of Use and Terms of SaleTerms for using What's This Cloud educational content and purchasing physical posters.