Yes, clouds have names! The classification of clouds into types was first proposed by Luke Howard in 1802, and we largely use the same system today. This splits clouds into three main types: stratus, cumulus, and cirrus.
- Stratus clouds are flat, layered, and smooth.
- Cumulus clouds are heaped up and puffy, resembling cauliflower.
- Cirrus clouds are high up and wispy.
These basic types can be further combined and modified to create a more detailed classification. For instance, alto is a prefix used for middle-level clouds, while nimbo indicates rain-producing clouds.
So, while clouds don't have individual names like people or flowers, they do have specific names that describe their appearance and altitude.
