Description & Characteristics. Translated from latin meaning contorted, the ‘intortus’ cloud variety is found only in the cirrus cloud type. No other cloud type besides a cirrus cloud can be classified as intortus. Cirrus intortus cloud formations are high in altitude and are best described as a tangled cirrus cloud. Sometimes they look like spiderwebs. The proper cloud classification abbreviation for this cloud type and variety is ‘Ci in’.

When trying to find the intortus cloud variety, your best bet is to keep your eyes peeled when there are cirrus fibratus clouds present. They’re almost a subspecies of cirrus fibratus, though it’s possible to apply the intortus classification to cirrus uncinus and cirrus floccus. As a cloudspotter, intortus clouds are generally easiest to photograph and identify when you’re positioned directly beneath them. They might not be as identifiable when they’re viewed near the horizon.