Tropospheric classification List of cloud types
1 tropospheric classification
1.1 high-level cirriform, stratocumuliform, , stratiform
1.1.1 genus cirrus
1.1.1.1 species
1.1.2 genus cirrocumulus
1.1.2.1 high stratocumuliform species
1.1.3 genus cirrostratus
1.1.3.1 species
1.2 mid-level stratocumuliform , stratiform
1.2.1 genus altocumulus
1.2.1.1 mid-level stratocumuliform species
1.2.2 genus altostratus
1.2.2.1 species
1.3 vertical or multi-level cumulonimbiform, cumuliform, , stratiform (low mid-level cloud base)
1.3.1 genus cumulonimbus: towering vertical
1.3.2 genus cumulus: towering vertical
1.3.3 genus nimbostratus: moderate or deep vertical
1.3.3.1 species
1.3.4 genus cumulus: moderate vertical
1.3.4.1 species
1.4 low-level stratocumuliform, cumuliform, , stratiform
1.4.1 genus stratocumulus
1.4.1.1 species
1.4.2 genus cumulus (little vertical extent)
1.4.2.1 species
1.4.3 genus stratus
1.4.3.1 species
tropospheric classification
tropospheric genus classification altitude of occurrence. multi-level types not limited altitude include 2 main precipitating clouds, cumulonimbus , nimbostratus. latter has been horizontally compressed in depiction.
tropospheric clouds divided physical forms defined structure, , levels defined altitude range. these divisions cross-classified produce ten basic genus-types. have latin names authorized world meteorological organization (wmo) indicate physical structure, altitude or étage, , process of formation
high-level cirriform, stratocumuliform, , stratiform
high clouds form in highest , coldest region of troposphere 5 12 km (16,500 40,000 ft) in temperate latitudes. @ altitude water freezes high clouds composed of ice crystals or supercooled water droplets.
genus cirrus
cirrus uncinus clouds (v-2)
cirrus spissatus (v-3) clouds
cirrus fibratus radiatus (v-8)
abbreviation: ci
cirriform clouds tend wispy , transparent or translucent. isolated cirrus not bring rain; however, large amounts of cirrus can indicate approaching storm system followed fair weather.
there several variations of clouds of cirrus genus based on species , varieties:
species
cirrus fibratus (v-1)
high clouds having traditional mare s tail appearance. these clouds long, fibrous, , curved, no tufts or curls @ ends.
cirrus uncinus (v-2)
filaments up-turned hooks or curls.
cirrus spissatus (v-3)
dense , opaque or opaque patches.
cirrus castellanus (v-4)
a series of dense lumps, or towers , connected thinner base.
cirrus floccus (v-5)
elements take on rounded appearance on top, lower part appearing ragged.
opacity-based varieties
none; translucent except species spissatus inherently opaque.
fibratus pattern-based varieties
cirrus fibratus intortus (v-6)
irregularly curved or tangled filamegnts.
cirrus fibratus vertebratus (v-7)
elements arranged in manner of vertebrate or fish skeleton.
pattern-based variety radiatus
large horizontal bands appear converge @ horizon; associated fibratus , uncinus species.
cirrus fibratus radiatus (v-8)
cirrus uncinus radiatus (v-9)
pattern-based variety duplicatus
sheets @ different layers of upper troposphere, may connected @ 1 or more points; associated fibratus , uncinus species.
cirrus fibratus duplicatus (v-10)
cirrus uncinus duplicatus (v-11)
varieties not commonly associated ci species spissatus, castellanus, or floccus.
precipitation-based supplementary features
not associated cirrus.
cloud-based supplementary feature
mamma
bubble-like downward protuberances; seen species castellanus.
genitus mother clouds
cirrus cirrocumulogenitus
cirrus altocumulogenitus
cirrus cumulonimbogenitus
cirrus homogenitus. cirrus formed spreading of aircraft contrails.
mutatus mother cloud
cirrus cirrostratomutatus
genus cirrocumulus
a large field of cirrocumulus stratiformis (v-12)
abbreviation: cc.
high-level stratocumuliform clouds of genus cirrocumulus form when moist air @ high tropospheric altitude reaches saturation, creating ice crystals or supercooled water droplets. limited convective instability @ cloud level gives cloud rolled or rippled appearance. despite lack of strato- prefix, layered cirrocumulus physically high stratocumuliform genus.
high stratocumuliform species
cirrocumulus stratiformis (v-12)
sheets or relatively flat patches of cirrocumulus.
cirrocumulus lenticularis (v-13)
lenticular, or lens-shaped high cloud.
cirrocumulus castellanus (v-14)
cirrocumulus layer towers , or turrets joined @ bases.
cirrocumulus floccus (v-15)
very small white heaps ragged bases , rounded tops.
opacity-based varieties
none (always translucent)
stratocumuliform pattern-based variety undulatus
cirrocumulus undulating base; associated stratiformis , lenticularis species. (v-16)
cirrocumulus stratiformis undulatus (v-17)
cirrocumulus lenticularis undulatus (v-18)
pattern-based variety lacunosus
cirrocumulus large clear holes; associated stratiformis , castellanus species (also cumuliform floccus species).
stratocumuliform lacunosus
cirrocumulus stratiformis lacunosus (v-19)
cirrocumulus castellanus lacunosus (v-20)
cirrocumulus floccus lacunosus (v-21)
precipitation-based supplementary feature
virga
light precipitation evaporates above ground level; seen species stratiformis, castellanus, , floccus.
cloud-based supplementary feature
mamma
bubble-like downward protuberances; seen species castellanus.
genitus mother clouds
cirrocumulus homogenitus. cirrocumulus formed spreading of aircraft contrails.
mutatus mother clouds
cirrocumulus cirromutatus
cirrocumulus cirrostratomutatus
cirrocumulus altocumulomutatus
genus cirrostratus
cirrostratus nebulosus (v-22) merging darker altostratus translucidus (v-47)
abbreviation: cs
clouds of genus cirrostratus consist of continuous, wide sheets of cloud covers large area of sky. formed when convectively stable moist air cools saturation @ high altitude, forming ice crystals. frontal cirrostratus precursor rain or snow if thickens mid-level altostratus , nimbostratus weather front moves closer observer.
species
cirrostratus fibratus (v-22)
cirrostratus sheet fibrous appearance, not detached cirrus.
cirrostratus nebulosus (v-23)
featureless, uniform sheet.
opacity-based varieties
none (always translucent)
fibratus pattern-based varieties
cirrostratus fibratus duplicatus (v-24)
separate or semi-merged sheets 1 layer above other.
cirrostratus fibratus undulatus (v-25)
undulating waves.
varieties not commonly associated cs species nebulosus.
supplementary features/accessory clouds
not associated cirrostratus.
genitus mother clouds
cirrostratus cirrocumulogenitus
cirrostratus cumulonimbogenitus
cirrostratus homogenitus. cirrostratus formed spreading of aircraft contrails.
mutatus mother clouds
cirrostratus cirromutatus
cirrostratus cirrocumulomutatus
cirrostratus altostratomutatus.
mid-level stratocumuliform , stratiform
middle cloud forms 2 7 km (6,500-23,000 ft) in temperate latitudes, , may composed of water droplets or ice crystals depending on temperature profile @ altitude range.
genus altocumulus
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 altostratus opacus (v-50), higher layer of cirrus fibratus (v-1)
fallstreak hole -altocumulus stratiformis translucidus lacunosus (v-44)
abbreviation: ac
mid-level stratocumuliform clouds of genus altocumulus not associated weather front can still bring precipitation, in form of virga not reach ground. layered forms of altocumulus indicator of limited convective instability, , therefore stratocumuliform in structure.
mid-level stratocumuliform species
altocumulus stratiformis (always dividable 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 (v27) elongated, tube shaped, horizontal stratocumuliform cloud.
altocumulus castellanus (v-28)
turreted layer cloud.
altocumulus floccus (v29)
tufted cumuliform clouds ragged bases.
stratocumuliform opacity-based varieties
altocumulus stratiformis translucidus (v-30)
translucent altocumulus through sun or moon can seen.
altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus (v-31)
opaque middle clouds translucent breaks.
altocumulus stratiformis opacus (v-32)
opaque altocumulus obscures sun or moon.
stratocumuliform pattern-based variety radiatus
rows of altocumulus appear converge @ horizon; associated stratiformis species.
altocumulus stratiformis translucidus radiatus (v-33)
altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus radiatus (v-34)
altocumulus stratiformis opacus radiatus (v-35)
stratocumuliform pattern-based variety duplicatus
altocumulus in closely spaced layers, 1 above other; associated stratiformis , lenticularis species.
altocumulus stratiformis translucidus duplicatus (v-36)
altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus duplicatus (v-37)
altocumulus stratiformis opacus duplicatus (v-38)
altocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (v-39)
stratocumuliform pattern-based variety undulatus
altocumulus wavy undulating base; associated stratiformis , lenticularis species.
altocumulus stratiformis translucidus undulatus (v-40)
altocumulus stratiformis perlucidus undulatus (v-41)
altocumulus stratiformis opacus undulatus (v-42)
altocumulus lenticularis undulatus (v-43)
pattern-based variety lacunosus
altocumulus circular holes caused localized downdrafts; associated stratiformis , castellanus species (also cumuliform floccus species).
stratocumuliform lacunosus
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 (v-48)
precipitation-based supplementary feature
virga
altocumulus producing precipitation evaporates before reaching ground; associated species stratiformis, castellanus, , floccus.
cloud-based supplementary feature
mamma
altocumulus (usually species castellanus) downward facing bubble-like protuberances caused localized downdrafts within cloud.
genitus mother clouds
altocumulus cumulogenitus
altocumulus cumulonimbogenitus
mutatus mother clouds
altocumulus cirrocumulomutatus
altocumulus altostratomutatus
altocumulus nimbostratomutatus
altocumulus stratocumulomutatus
genus altostratus
altostratus translucidus (v-49) near top of photo merging altostratus opacus (v-50) near bottom
abbreviation: as
stratiform clouds of genus altostratus form when large convectively stable airmass lifted condensation in middle level of troposphere, along frontal system. altostratus can bring light rain or snow. if precipitation becomes continuous, may thicken nimbostratus can bring precipitation of moderate heavy intensity.
species
no differentiated species (always nebulous).
opacity-based varieties
altostratus translucidus (v-49)
altostratus through sun can seen.
altostratus opacus (v-50)
altostratus blocks out sun.
pattern-based variety radiatus
bands appear converge @ horizon.
altostratus translucidus radiatus (v-51)
altostratus opacus radiatus (v-52)
pattern-based variety duplicatus
altostratus in closely spaced layers, 1 above other.
altostratus translucidus duplicatus (v-53)
altostratus opacus duplicatus (v-54)
pattern-based variety undulatus
altostratus wavy undulating base.
altostratus translucidus undulatus (v-55)
altostratus opacus undulatus (v-56)
precipitation-based supplementary features
virga
accompanied precipitation evaporates before reaching ground. seen opacus varieties.
praecipitatio
produces precipitation reaches ground; associated opacus varieties.
cloud-based supplementary feature
mamma
altostratus downward facing bubble-like protuberances caused localized downdrafts within cloud.
accessory cloud
seen opacus varieties
pannus
accompanied ragged lower layer of fractus species clouds forming in precipitation.
genitus mother clouds
altostratus altocumulogenitus
altostratus cumulonimbogenitus
mutatus mother clouds
altostratus cirrostratomutatus
altostratus nimbostratomutatus
vertical or multi-level cumulonimbiform, cumuliform, , stratiform (low mid-level cloud base)
clouds upward-growing vertical development form below 2 kilometres (6,600 ft), can based high 2.5 kilometres (8,200 ft) in temperate climates, , higher in arid regions. downward-growing cloud forms above 2 kilometres (6,600 ft) , achieves vertical extent base subsides low altitude range during precipitation.
genus cumulonimbus: towering vertical
cumulonimbus calvus (v-57)
single-cell cumulonimbus capillatus (v-58) incus
abbreviation: cb
clouds of genus cumulonimbus have dark gray black flat bases , high tops can penetrate tropopause. develop cumulus when airmass convectively highly unstable. produce thunderstorms, rain or showers, , hail, strong outflow winds, and/or tornadoes @ ground level.
species
cumulonimbus calvus (v-57)
cumulonimbus high domed top.
cumulonimbus capillatus (v-58)
towering vertical cloud high cirriform top.
varieties
no varieties (always opaque , not form in patterns visible surface level).
precipitation-based supplementary features
associated calvus , capillatus species.
virga
precipitation evaporates before reaching ground.
praecipitatio
precipitation reaches ground.
cloud-based supplementary features
incus (species capillatus only)
cumulonimbus flat anvil-like cirriform top caused wind shear rising air currents hit inversion layer @ tropopause.
mamma
also called mammatus, consisting of bubble-like protrusions on underside caused localized downdrafts.
arcus (including roll , shelf clouds)
low, horizontal cloud formation associated leading edge of thunderstorm outflow.
tuba
column hanging cloud base can develop funnel cloud or tornado.
accessory clouds
seen species , capillatus except noted.
pannus
accompanied lower layer of fractus species cloud forming in precipitation.
pileus (species calvus only)
small cap-like cloud on parent cumulonimbus.
velum
a thin horizontal sheet forms around middle of cumulonimbus.
genitus mother clouds
cumulonimbus altocumulogenitus
cumulonimbus altostratogenitus
cumulonimbus nimbostratogenitus
cumulonimbus stratocumulogenitus
cumulonimbus flammagenitus formed large scale fires or volcanic eruptions.
mutatus mother cloud
cumulonimbus cumulomutatus
genus cumulus: towering vertical
cumulus congestus (v-59)
abbreviations: cu con (cumulus congestus) or tcu (towering cumulus)
species
cumulus congestus (v-59)
these large cumulus clouds have flat dark grey bases , tall tower-like formations tops in high level of troposphere. international civil aviation organization (icao) designates species towering cumulus (tcu).
opacity-based varieties
none (always opaque).
pattern-based variety
none (not discerned highly unstable cumulus congestus).
precipitation-based supplementary features
virga
accompanied precipitation evaporates before reaching ground.
praecipitatio
produces precipitation reaches ground.
cloud-based supplementary features
mamma
downward facing bubble-like protuberances caused localized downdrafts within cloud.
arcus (including roll , shelf clouds)
low horizontal cloud formation associated leading edge of thunderstorm outflow.
tuba
column hanging cloud base can develop small funnel cloud.
accessory clouds
pannus
accompanied lower layer of fractus species cloud forming in precipitation.
pileus
small cap-like cloud on parent cumulus cloud.
velum
a thin horizontal sheet forms around middle of cumulus cloud.
mother clouds
cumulus congestus flammagenitus.
other genitus , mutatus types same small , moderate cumulus.
genus nimbostratus: moderate or deep vertical
nimbostratus (v-60) virga
abbreviation: ns (v-60)
clouds of genus nimbostratus tend bring constant precipitation , low visibility. cloud type forms above 2 kilometres (6,600 ft) altostratus cloud tends thicken lower levels during occurrence of precipitation. top of nimbostratus deck in middle level of troposphere.
species
no differentiated species (always nebulous).
varieties
no varieties (always opaque , never forms in patterns).
precipitation-based supplementary features
virga
accompanied precipitation evaporates before reaching ground.
praecipitatio
produces precipitation reaches ground.
accessory cloud
pannus
nimbostratus lower layer of fractus species cloud forming in precipitation.
genitus mother clouds
nimbostratus cumulogenitus
nimbostratus cumulonimbogenitus
mutatus mother clouds
nimbostratus altostratomutatus
nimbostratus altocumulomutatus
nimbostratus stratocumulomutatus
genus cumulus: moderate vertical
cumulus mediocris (v-61) above
cumulus mediocris (v-61) pileus
cumulus mediocris (v-61) arcus
abbreviation: cu
moderate vertical cumulus product of free convective airmass instability. continued upward growth suggests showers later in day.
species
cumulus mediocris (v-61)
moderate vertical clouds flat medium grey bases , higher tops cumulus humilis.
opacity-based varieties
none (always opaque)
pattern-based variety
cumulus mediocris radiatus (v-62)(v-60)
moderate cumulus clouds arranged in parallel lines appear converge @ horizon.
precipitation-based supplementary features
virga
accompanied precipitation evaporates before reaching ground.
praecipitatio
produces precipitation reaches ground.
cloud-based supplementary feature
mamma
downward facing bubble-like protuberances caused localized downdrafts within cloud.
accessory clouds
pileus
small cap-like cloud on parent cumulus cloud.
velum
a thin horizontal sheet forms around middle of cumulus cloud.
mother clouds
genitus , mutatus types same cumulus of little vertical extent.
low-level stratocumuliform, cumuliform, , stratiform
low cloud forms near surface ca. 2 kilometres (6,600 ft) , composed of water droplets.
genus stratocumulus
stratocumulus castellanus (v-66)
abbreviation: sc
clouds of genus stratocumulus lumpy, forming in unstable air, , can produce light rain or drizzle.
species
stratocumulus stratiformis (always dividable opacity-based varieties)
sheets or relatively flat patches of stratocumulus
stratocumulus lenticularis (v-63)
lens-shaped low cloud.
stratocumulus volutus (v-64)
elongated, low-level, tube shaped, horizontal stratocumuliform cloud.
stratocumulus floccus (v-65)
scattered or isolated stratocumulus tufts domed tops , ragged bases.
stratocumulus castellanus (v-66)
layer of turreted stratocumulus cloud tower-like formations protruding upwards.
stratocumuliform opacity-based varieties
stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus (v-67)
thin translucent stratocumulus through sun or moon can seen.
stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus (v-68)
opaque low clouds translucent breaks.
stratocumulus stratiformis opacus (v-69)
opaque stratocumulus clouds.
pattern-based variety radiatus
stratocumulus arranged in parallel bands appear converge on horizon; associated stratiformis species..
stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus radiatus (v-70)
stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus radiatus (v-71)
stratocumulus stratiformis opacus radiatus (v-72)
pattern-based variety duplicatus
closely spaced layers of stratocumulus, 1 above other; associated stratiformis , lenticularis species.
stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus duplicatus (v-73)
stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus duplicatus (v-74)
stratocumulus stratiformis opacus duplicatus (v-75)
stratocumulus lenticularis duplicatus (v-76)
pattern-based variety undulatus
stratocumulus wavy undulating base; associated stratiformis , lenticularis species.
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 circular holes caused localized downdrafts; associated stratiformis , castellanus species.
stratocumulus stratiformis translucidus lacunosus (v-81)
stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus lacunosus (v-82)
stratocumulus stratiformis opacus lacunosus (v-83)
stratocumulus castellanus lacunosus (v-84)
precipitation-based supplementary features
usually associated species stratiformis , castellanus:
virga
low cloud producing precipitation evaporates before reaching ground.
praecipitatio
stratocumulus clouds producing precipitation reaches ground.
cloud-based supplementary feature
mamma
stratocumulus bubble-like protrusions on underside; associated species castellanus.
stratocumulus cumulogenitus higher layer of altocumulus stratiformis
genitus mother clouds
stratocumulus cumulogenitus
stratocumulus nimbostratogenitus
stratocumulus cumulonimbogenitus
stratocumulus altostratogenitus
mutatus mother clouds
stratocumulus nimbostratomutatus
stratocumulus altocumulomutatus
stratocumulus stratomutatus
genus cumulus (little vertical extent)
cumulus humilis (v-86)
abbreviation: cu
these fair weather cumuliform clouds of limited convection not grow vertically. vertical height base top less width of cloud base. appear similar stratocumulus elements more detached , less wide @ base.
species
cumulus fractus (v-85)
ragged shreds of cumulus clouds.
cumulus humilis (v-86)
fair weather clouds flat light grey bases , small white domed tops.
opacity-based varieties
none (always opaque except species fractus translucent).
humilis pattern-based variety
cumulus humilis radiatus (v-87)
small cumulus clouds arranged in parallel lines appear converge @ horizon.
supplementary features/accessory clouds
not commonly seen cumulus fractus or humilis.
genitus mother clouds
cumulus stratocumulogenitus
cumulus homogenitus clouds formed air-mass convection associated contained industrial activity.
mutatus mother clouds
cumulus stratocumulomutatus
cumulus stratomutatus
genus stratus
at level stratus nebulosus translucidus (v-89) , opacus (v-90) clouds
stratus fractus (v-88) cloud
abbreviation: st
clouds of genus stratus form in low horizontal layers having ragged or uniform base. ragged stratus forms in precipitation while more uniform stratus forms in maritime or other moist stable air mass conditions. latter produces drizzle.
species
stratus nebulosus
uniform fog-like low cloud.
stratus fractus (v-88)
ragged shreds of stratus clouds under base of precipitation clouds.
nebulosus opacity-based varieties
stratus nebulosus translucidus (v-89)
thin translucent stratus.
stratus nebulosus opacus (v-90)
opaque stratus obscures sun or moon.
pattern-based variety undulatus
wavy undulating base.
stratus nebulosus translucidus undulatus (v-91)
stratus nebulosus opacus undulatus (v-92)
varieties not commonly associated st species fractus.
precipitation-based supplementary feature
praecipitatio
stratus (usually species nebulosus) producing precipitation.
accessory clouds
not seen stratus.
genitus mother clouds , other mother sources
stratus nimbostratogenitus
stratus cumulogenitus
stratus cumulonimbogenitus
stratus cataractagenitus generated spray waterfalls.
stratus silvagenitus stratus cloud forms water vapor added air above forest.
mutatus mother cloud
stratus stratocumulomutatus
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