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.[1] [2] [3]
| Species | Abbreviation | Description | Genera | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | Ac, Cc, Ci | ||
| 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 |