15 Cloud Formations, Ranked By Splendor

Enjoy these clouds, you guys!

15. Cirrus Clouds

Latin for “curling hair.”

14. Cumulonimbus Clouds

AKA “Zeus Clouds”

13. Noctilucent Clouds

These clouds can be found in the north and south poles at dusk.

12. Altocumulus Clouds

An oldie but a goodie.

11. Pyrocumulus Clouds

These clouds form atop fires or active volcanoes.

10. Jellyfish Clouds

Here are some more great pics of jellyfish clouds, from the good folks over at The Weather Channel.

9. Polar Stratospheric Clouds

So high they almost glow, reflecting light from the horizon at sundown.

8. Cirrocumulus Clouds

Cotton balls in the sky!

7. Hole Punch Clouds

Also called “Fallstreak Hole Clouds.” The holes in these clouds can be circular, oblong, or even pentagram shaped. Here’s some more info. on hole punch clouds.

6. Stratus Clouds

“Stratus” is a cognate of the Latin word for “bedspread.”

5. Shelf Clouds

Shelf clouds mean a storm is coming. This person should get off the beach because there is a shelf cloud above her head.

4. Lenticular Clouds

Honestly, I can’t get enough of these clouds. They are like pancake stacks in the sky. They are also a favorite of the Cloud Appreciation Society. 

Here are more pictures of lenticular clouds. And here is a lenticular cloud montage:

3. Roll Clouds

Roll clouds were on the news in Virginia once:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zLdVjs3Qx68

2. Mammatus Clouds

Latin for “breast clouds.”

1. Cumulus Clouds

Classic.