Cloud Classification Help – Class Project

[Jerrika Dobbs]

Hey everyone,

I’m working on a cloud identification project for my semester project, and I could use some help. Over the past few years, I’ve gotten pretty into clouds—largely thanks to Gavin and the Cloud Appreciation Society. I’ve spent much time learning to identify different clouds, including their varieties, species, and accessory features. Now, I’m trying to take that knowledge to the next level by creating a project that could even become an app one day.

While I’ve learned a lot, I still second-guess myself, especially with the more detailed classifications. I’ve started annotating some cloud images and would appreciate any feedback or guidance. I’d be super grateful if anyone is interested in helping me with the annotations. I’ll add them as an additional post to this thread.

There’s no pressure, but I’d love your input if you’re into clouds or want to geek out with me about sky photos. I’d happily treat you to dinner or something as a thank you.

Thanks for considering it!

[Jerrika Dobbs]

I see Cumulonimbus calvus
Cumulus congestus
Stratocumulus stratiformis perlucidus
How would you describe this scene with as many descriptive terms as possible? Would the darker cloud be considered virga at the top middle of the photo? How would you describe the wispy tops of the cumulus congestus?

[Jerrika Dobbs]

Cumulus mediocris with a bit of Kelvin-Helmholtz instability.
A small cumulus humilus to the right or is it a cumulus mediocris and the smaller more whispy clouds are cumulus humilus?
What would the smaller, less formed clouds be classified as?
It looks like there is a larger cloud formation behind the mountains. Maybe Cumulus congestus Calvas?

[Jerrika Dobbs]

This one is pretty cool. I was able to catch this cloud on a flight; I always love seeing cumulonimbus clouds from the plane.
cumulonimbus capillatus incus
could you also say there is some type of stratus cloud happening here? would this be considered velum or?
In the foreground there are a mix of cumulus humilis radiatus fractus and cumulus mediocris radiatus pileus(?) and potentially some smaller cumulus congestus closer to the cumulonimbus.
would these be considered Alto?

[Jerrika Dobbs]

Starting with the lower clouds:
Stratocumulus startiformis perlucidus opacus – maybe a little undulatus at the bottom of the photo? maybe duplicates?
Altocumulus startiformis perlucidus in the background – maybe floccus?
The upper clouds consist of Cirrostratus fibratus nebulosus

[Jerrika Dobbs]

Here are some nice Startocumulus stratiformis radiatus and/or undulatus? Could this be described as opacus? maybe a little perlucidus.
How would you describe the little fibrous clouds between the rows?

[Jerrika Dobbs]

I was excited to see this one on a snowboarding trip in Washinton at Crystal Moutain ski resort. This is Mount Rainer, and it occurs often.
altocumulus Lenticularis Pileus
Along the sides of the mountain ther are stratocumulus stratiformis opacus
Any other descripters?

[Jerrika Dobbs]

Altocumulus startiformis perlucidus maybe radiatus lacunosus
The lower layer is stratocumulus opacus undulatus
any other descriptors?

[Jerrika Dobbs]

This one was awesome to witness.
Cumulonibus capillatus incus praecipitatio, possibly some mamma?
The lower level looks to be Altostratus opacus
Any other descriptors?

[Jerrika Dobbs]

I love this photo because there is so much happening in one photo.
Starting at the lower level:
cumulus mediocris radiatus (in some areas) maybe a little fractus
cumulus congestus capillatus off to the right – maybe some velum?
Mid level: Stratocumulus startiformis undulatus(?) perlucidus(?) opacus virga(?)
Altostratus startiformis translucidus duplicatus
High level:
Cirrus fibratus uncinus spissatus(in denser areas)-  is this uncinus or virga?
Cirrostratus fibatus and nebulosus

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