We asked you to, and you did.
(Click images to enlarge)
Unable to find a suitable classification for the dramatic and beautiful cloud formations shown above, we asked members to give their suggestions for a new cloud name. Here are some of your answers:
From Hannah Miller, UK, Member 2492:
RapidsClouds
Wurlitzers
From Simon Beasor, UK, Member 3048:
They look a lot like what we call Heavy Light.
That moment just before a huge downpour, when the sky is really heavy and dark and ponderous but some light is sneaking around under the clouds.
This light gives everything a realy ethereal contrast and the whole world feels a bit strange and weird for a few minutes, full of potential and mystery.
Then the heavens open and you get soaked back to reality!
Heavy Light - you heard it here first.
From Peter McIlhenny, UK, Member 3283:
I think Sistine would fit. It sounds quite scientific whilst having a clear reference to that famous ceiling as a nod to its vast sweep and painterliness.
From Peter (Membership Number not stated):
Give it the old english name ‘Wafian‘ for wave.
From Kim Pedersen, US, Member 4128:
These remind me of a popular movie from some time ago.
How about ‘Close Encounter Clouds?’
If you want a shorter title, how about Encounter Clouds?
From Jeff Brown, UK, Member 4477:
My personal opinion is that you’ve got your classic stratocumulus lenticularis with embedded cumulonimbus mammata with stratus fractus and virga - and let’s face it, who hasn’t seen that before? If it has no official name then why not use your own (or better still - mine)? Jeffwaves… KingJeffwaves… Lordjeffwaves - something like that.
From Kathryn J Harlow, US, Member 1668:
I think you should call the freaky Iowa clouds “burled” like the type of
wood that they resemble.
Burled Mammatus clouds or something - that’s
what they look like.
From Mary White, UK, Member 3277:
Those clouds are beautiful & rolling. They almost look unreal.
I’d like to name them Lava Pillow Clouds please.
From Frank Curwood, UK, Member 176:
Armageddon Clouds spring to mind! They have a threatening look about them.
From Jane Collinson, no Membership Number given:
Draped clouds, as they look like the folds in curtains. Or Roman Blind Clouds for similar reasons.
From Jordie Albiston, Australia, Member 4262:
Sheet Twister (silk, of course…)
From Darrell Hamley, UK, Member 3447:
How about Spirit Clouds or Stratus Spiritus?
From Hilary Hardy, UK, a too new a member to have a number yet:
It just has to be Altocumulus Oceanus. How’s that?!
From Hannah Miller, UK, Member 2492:
RapidsClouds
Wurlitzers
From Simon Beasor, UK, Member 3048:
They look a lot like what we call Heavy Light.
That moment just before a huge downpour, when the sky is really heavy and dark and ponderous but some light is sneaking around under the clouds.
This light gives everything a realy ethereal contrast and the whole world feels a bit strange and weird for a few minutes, full of potential and mystery.
Then the heavens open and you get soaked back to reality!
Heavy Light - you heard it here first.
From Peter McIlhenny, UK, Member 3283:
I think Sistine would fit. It sounds quite scientific whilst having a clear reference to that famous ceiling as a nod to its vast sweep and painterliness.
From Peter (Membership Number not stated):
Give it the old english name ‘Wafian‘ for wave.
From Kim Pedersen, US, Member 4128:
These remind me of a popular movie from some time ago.
How about ‘Close Encounter Clouds?’
If you want a shorter title, how about Encounter Clouds?
From Jeff Brown, UK, Member 4477:
My personal opinion is that you’ve got your classic stratocumulus lenticularis with embedded cumulonimbus mammata with stratus fractus and virga - and let’s face it, who hasn’t seen that before? If it has no official name then why not use your own (or better still - mine)? Jeffwaves… KingJeffwaves… Lordjeffwaves - something like that.
From Kathryn J Harlow, US, Member 1668:
I think you should call the freaky Iowa clouds “burled” like the type of
wood that they resemble.
Burled Mammatus clouds or something - that’s
what they look like.
From Mary White, UK, Member 3277:
Those clouds are beautiful & rolling. They almost look unreal.
I’d like to name them Lava Pillow Clouds please.
From Frank Curwood, UK, Member 176:
Armageddon Clouds spring to mind! They have a threatening look about them.
From Jane Collinson, no Membership Number given:
Draped clouds, as they look like the folds in curtains. Or Roman Blind Clouds for similar reasons.
From Jordie Albiston, Australia, Member 4262:
Sheet Twister (silk, of course…)
From Darrell Hamley, UK, Member 3447:
How about Spirit Clouds or Stratus Spiritus?
From Hilary Hardy, UK, a too new a member to have a number yet:
It just has to be Altocumulus Oceanus. How’s that?!
