25
Roll Cloud
Often associated with thunderstorms or cold fronts, these clouds are usually low and tube shaped.
24
Shelf Clouds
Also associated with cold fronts and thunderstorms, shelf clouds differ from roll clouds in that they are usually attached to the parent cloud directly above.
23
Cirrus Kelvin-Helmholtz
These slim, horizontal spirals tend to dissipate quickly after their initial formation making observation difficult.
22
Mammatus Clouds
These rare pouch-like clouds usually form after the thunderstorm has passed. Contrary to common knowledge they do not indicate an imminent tornado (although they do look ominous).
21
Nacreous Clouds
Sometimes referred to as “mother of pearl” clouds, these can be found at altitudes of up to 20 miles. Usually seen in polar regions near the poles they are known for their iridescent colors.
20
Pileus Clouds
Also known as scarf or cap clouds, these high flying clouds generally hover over the top of larger cumulonimbus clouds.
19
Actinoform Clouds
Hard to see with the naked eye, this formation is best observed from space. In satellite images they have a distinct leaf or wheel like pattern that sets them apart from the background.
18
Wave Clouds
These clouds are usually formed by waves of air that flow over a raised land feature such as a mountain range.
17
Pyrocumulus Cloud
Sometimes called fire clouds these dense cumuliform clouds are associated with fires or volcanic activity.
16
Undulatus Asperatus
Proposed to be a separate cloud formation in 2009, if it is accepted International Cloud Atlas of the World Meteorological Organization then it will be the first addition since 1951.
15
Cumulus Arcus
Although both rolling and shelf clouds fall into this category, there are several others less famous types as well.
14
Cumulonimbus Capillatus
This umbrellas category includes any towering vertical cloud with a high cirriform top
13
Cirrus spissatus
The highest of the primary cloud genera, this cirrus variety is formed out of fine wisps of ice crystals.
12
Contrails
Although they are not naturally occurring cloud formations, these vapor trails are technically a type of cirrus cloud known as cirrus aviaticus
11
Morning Glory Clouds
This rare phenomenon is hard to observe due to its unpredictable nature. In fact, the only place where it occurs consistently is northern Australia.
10
Billow Clouds
Also known as wave clouds or wind row clouds they generally run parallel but can also appear to interweave with one another.
9
Cirrostratus Nebulosus
Formed by rising air, these clouds are hard to see unless illuminated in just the right amount of sunlight. Coincidentally this lighting typically forms a halo.
8
Cirrus uncinus
In Latin there name means “curly hooks”. They are generally very sparse in the sky and extremely thin.
7
Cumulonimbus Incus
With its characteristic flat, anvil shaped top this cloud can easily form into supercells and generate severe weather patterns such as tornadoes.
6
Punch Hole Cloud
Also known as fallstreak hole, these anomolies are formed when the water temperature in the clouds is below freezing but the water hasn’t frozen yet. Quite often they are associated with UFO sightings.
5
Indoor Clouds
may seem impossible but in fact several artists have used various techniques of creating the ideal conditions for indoor clouds to form as part of their artwork.
4
Lenticular Clouds
photo – nationalgeographic.com
These stationary, lens shaped clouds usually form when moist air flows over the side of a mountain range.
3
Mushroom Clouds
Although typically associated with nuclear weapons, any large blast is likely to produce a mushroom cloud including volcanic explosions and meteorite impacts.
2
Altocumulus Castelanus
Also known as jellyfish clouds due to their interesting appearance, these form when moist air gets trapped between two layers of dry air.
1
Noctilucent Clouds
Possibly the least understood cloud formation in the atmosphere these clouds are also the highest. Residing at an altitude of over 80 km they literally sit on the verge of space and are usually only seen closer to the poles. To see them, however, conditions have to be just right, with the sun below the horizon providing the right angle of illumination.
0 comments for "25 Unbelievable Cloud Formations"
Post a Comment