CLOUD ATLAS

(Images from the Karlsruhe Wolkenatlas, used with permission from Berhard Muehr)

(All images copyrighted by Berhard Muehr)

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MAIN COMPONENTS

Latin Root Translation Example
cumulus
stratus
cirrus
altum
nimbus
heap
layer
curl of hair
height, upper air
rain
fair weather cumulus
altostratus
cirrus
altocumulus
cumulonimbus

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1. GENERA

Name Translation Level in Atmosphere
cirrus
cirrocumulus
cirrostratus
altocumulus
altostratus
nimbostratus
stratocumulus
stratus
cumulus
cumulonimbus
curl of hair
cirrus and cumulus
cirrus and stratus
altum and cumulus
altum and stratus
nimbus and stratus
stratus and cumulus
layer
heap
cumulus and nimbus
high
high
high
middle
middle
deep
low
low
deep
deep

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2. SPECIES

Latin Translation Example
fibratus
uncinus
spissatus
castelanus
floccus
stratiformis
nebulosus
lenticularis
fractus
humilis
mediocris
congestus
possessing filaments
hooked
to make thick
castle
tuft of wool
layer appearance
nebulous
lentil
to fracture
near ground, small
medium
to heap up
cirrostratus fibratus
cirrus uncinus
cirrus spissatus
altocumulus castelanus
cirrus floccus
altocumulus stratiformis
stratus nebulosus
altocumulus lenticularis
cumulus fractus
cumulus humilis
cumulus mediocris
cumulus congestus

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3. VARIETIES

Name Translation
intortus
vertebratus
undulatus
radiatus
lacunosus
duplicatus
translucidus
perlucidus
opacus
to twist
having vertebrae
having waves
being radiant
having holes
double
transparent
light pass through
shadowy, thick

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4. SUPPLEMENTARY FEATURES AND ACCESSORY CLOUDS

Name Translation
incus
mamma
virga
praecipitatio
arcus
tuba
pileus
velum
pannus
anvil
udder
stick
a fall
bow, arch
trumpet
cap
sail of ship
piece of cloth, shred