Cloud Atlas

Classic ‘cotton ball’ clouds with crisp edges — the default cloud you draw as a kid.

The thunderstorm cloud — a huge tower with an anvil top when mature.

High, wispy ice-crystal filaments that look like brushstrokes.

Tiny high ripples/grains — a delicate, often short-lived ‘mackerel sky’.

A thin, whitish veil of ice cloud — famous for halos around the Sun or Moon.

Mid-level patches/rolls — the classic ‘mackerel sky’ when patterned.

A mid-level grey/blue sheet: the sun looks like it’s behind frosted glass.

The steady-rain cloud: a thick, dark, widespread layer with falling rain/snow.

Low-level lumpy layers — a sheet of cloud ‘clumps’ with darker cells.

A low grey layer with a fairly uniform base — can bring drizzle and gloom.

Smooth, lens-shaped clouds that look unreal — common near mountains and strong winds.

Pouch-like underbellies — dramatic and uncommon, often after strong storms.

Night-shining clouds high in the atmosphere that glow after sunset at high latitudes.