Skip to content
Other Atlas
  • Home
  • Worlds
    • World Archetypes
    • Fantasy Worlds
    • Science Fiction Worlds
    • Cyberpunk
    • Post-Apocalyptic
    • Horror
    • Mythological
  • Toolkits
    • Getting Started
    • Components
    • Models
    • Techniques
    • Map Icons
  • Shop
  • Support

Other Atlas

Worldbuilding

Cloud Types

Cloud Types

Clouds can be a way to help set the tone of a world, especially so in worlds that are primarily visual. Different cloud types can have a large impact on any world that features a sky, and in worlds where air-travel is common or a central component clouds can be vital.

High Altitude Clouds


Cirrus

Filamentous clouds that are usually white in color though during sunrise and sunset will glow yellow or red. Cirrus clouds are composed of small ice crystals

Cirrus Clouds

Cirrocumulus

Small thin patches of white clouds that seem to form grain or ripple-like patterns. These clouds are uncommon.

Cirrocumulus Clouds

Cirrostratus

Fibrous or hair-like clouds. These clouds can be extensive and nearly cover the entire sky.

Cirrostratus Clouds

Mid Altitude Clouds


Altocumulus

White or grey with rolls or rounded masses. These are the most common type of mid-altitude cloud.

Altocumulus Clouds

Altostratus

Grey or bluish sheets of clouds that will only partially obscure the sun.

Altostratus

Nimbostratus

Results from a thickening of altostratus clouds and can entirely obscure the sun. Dark and grey. Can be host to heavy rain or snow. During precipitation the base of these clouds can descend to lower altitudes creating an extensive vertical cloud.

Nimbostratus

Low Altitude Clouds


Cumulus

Dense, individual, white clouds with darker flat bottoms. These usually form on otherwise clear days. Can form mounds, towers, and domes.

Cumulus Clouds

Cumulonimbus

A massive thunderstorm cloud. These are dense clouds that form huge towers. Can also produce hail and tornadoes.

Cumulonimbus Cloud

Stratocumulus

White or grey clouds that form in a lattice-like sheet.

Stratocumulus Clouds

Stratus

A grey cloud layer with a uniform base.

Stratus

Other Cloud Types & Behavior


Asperitas

Rolling waves in the base of clouds.

Asperitas

Fog

A cloud that has descended to rest on the ground.

Fog

Mammatus

An ‘upside-down’ cloud with the cloud sinking down into a pocket of drier air. Mammatus clouds are associated with thunderstorms and severe weather but are not always linked.

Mammatus

Cloud Gallery

A Primer

  • Getting Started
  • World Archetypes
  • Regions & Biomes
  • Places
  • Factions
  • Fictional Histories
  • Worldbuilding Terminology

Inspiration in Your Inbox

Our monthly email with fun worldbuilding tips, guides & tidbits.

The Other Atlas Bulletin.

Success! Welcome to the Other Atlas Bulletin.

© 2023   All Rights Reserved.