Tuesday, June 16, 2009

New cloud type?

An Iowa woman's photo from 2006 have scientists and others debating whether a new cloud type has been discovered. There currently are only three main cloud types: cumulus, stratus, and cirrus. One group is working with the Royal Meteorological Society to prepare a case for the World Meteorological Organization to get them classified as a new type, while researchers and scientists in the other camp say they are another form of cumulus and have been documented before. The AP article can be found here: http://cli.gs/0hmhUU What are your thoughts? Leave the cloud types alone, or add a 4th cloud type (which might be analogous to adding a planet in the solar system)?

3 comments:

Paul Yeager said...

It's not a new cloud type, it's just being seen more often now...which isn't surprising with things like phones on cell cameras.

http://cloudyandcool.com/2009/06/16/new-cloud-altocumulus-undulatus-asperatus/

--Paul, http://cloudyandcool.com

Meteorologist Erik Proseus said...

Thanks for the link Paul. Good post on it and I'll be looking at the reference you posted in your blog as well.

--Erik

Meteorologist Erik Proseus said...

For those interested, here is the link to the Cloud Appreciation Society's article on the "new" cloud type, along with more pictures:
http://cloudappreciationsociety.org/name-that-cloud/

--Erik, MemphisWeather.net