Cloud identification guide | International Cloud Atlas (original) (raw)
(Section 2.7.2.1.2)
| Start | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 Cumulonimbus Cb Huge cloud tower, sometimes with anvil. Thunderstorm possible. |
Yes |  |
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| Yes | No | |||||
 |
Yes |  |
 Cirrus Ci Hooks, feathers, bands or patches with silky shimmer. |
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| No | No | Yes | ||||
 Cumulus Cu Isolated, puffy cloud with sharp outlines. |
 |
No |  |
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| Yes | No | |||||
 Cirrostratus Cs Transparent milky or fibrous veil, casts shadow, produces halo. |
Yes |  |
 |
Yes |  Cirrocumulus Cc Thin, pure white fields of small grains or ripples at a high level. Size < 1° |
|
| No | No | |||||
 Altostratus As Smooth, extensive layer; casts no shadow, even if Sun/Moon is recognizable as a blurred dot. |
Yes |  |
 |
Yes |  Altocumulus Ac White/grey patches (turreted, lens shaped or balls of cotton), sheets or structured layer with undulations or rolls. Size 1° - 3° |
|
| No | No | |||||
 Nimbostratus Ns Dark rain cloud or bright snow cloud. Usually continuous rain, snow or ice pellets. |
Yes |  |
 Stratocumulus Sc Grey or whitish fields, rolls or bundle, with rounded edges, at low level; regularly arranged elements. Size 5° - 10° (full hand) |
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| No | ||||||
 Stratus St Grey-whitish low layer, sometimes with drizzle or snow grains. If Sun/Moon is visible its outline is clear. Can occur in fragments. |
Stratus-type clouds |
Figure 10. Pictorial cloud identification guide