{{Short description|Set of terms used to describe the shape and structure of clouds}} '''Cloud species''' are a set of fourteen terms used to describe the shape and structure of clouds. Each one has its name abbreviated to a three letter term.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.weatheronline.co.uk/reports/wxfacts/Cloud-species.htm"|title = Weather Facts: Accessory clouds | weatheronline.co.uk}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://cloudatlas.wmo.int/en/abbr-and-symbols-of-clouds-table-genera-species.html | title=Genera and species }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://cloudatlas.wmo.int/en/cloud-classification-summary.html | title=Cloud classification summary }}</ref> Cloud species are identified and published in the ''International Cloud Atlas''.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Chodosh |first1=Sara |title=There’s a whole new species of cloud |url=https://www.popsci.com/theres-new-species-cloud-celebrate-with-some-pretty-pictures/ |website=Popular Science |access-date=24 November 2025 |date=March 24, 2017}}</ref>
thumb|'''Cumulus congestus''' clouds in the foreground. {| class="wikitable" border="3" ! Species !! Abbreviation !! Description !! Genera |- | Calvus || cal || Tops of clouds lose hard, rough appearance and become smooth || Cb |- | Capillatus || cap || Tops of clouds become distinctly fibrous or striated. Cirrus clouds are often in appearance|| Cb |- | Castellanus || cas || Distinct turrets rising from a large base or line of cloud || Sc, Ac, Cc |- | Congestus || con || Great vertical height much larger than the base, shows vigorous growth with cauliflower like tops || Cu |- | Fibratus || fib || Fibrous appearance, with straight or uniform curves and no distinct hooks || Ci, Cs |- | Floccus || flo || Individual tufts of clouds with ragged bases and often with noticeable virga || Ac, Cc, Ci |- | Fractus || fra || Broken cloud with ragged bases and edges || Cu, St |- | Humilis || hum || Cloud with limited vertical height with a length much bigger than their height || Cu |- | Lenticularis || len || Lens or almond shaped clouds that are stationary in the sky || Sc, Ac, Cc |- | Mediocris || med || Clouds of moderate height that are around equal height and length, growing upwards || Cu |- | Nebulosus || neb || Featureless sheet of cloud with no structure || St, Cs |- | Spissatus || spi || Dense cloud appearing lighter shade of grey when viewed toward the sun || Ci |- | Stratiformis || str || Cloud in an extensive sheet or layer || Sc, Ac, Cc |- | Uncinus || unc || Distinctly hooked usually without a visible head || Ci |}
== References == {{reflist}}
== See also == * List of cloud types
Category:Cloud types {{Cloud types}}
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