The International Cloud Atlas has named 12 'new' types of clouds. They become the first new clouds since 1987. The atlas started in 1896. It is the standard and most authoritative reference tool on clouds. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) publishes it and decides if there is a new cloud. The WMO said you don't need to be an expert on clouds to find a new one. You just need to take a photo and send it to the WMO.
The cloud creating the biggest buzz online is named asperitas. It looks like big waves at sea. Another is the volutus. This a tube-shaped cloud that looks like it is rolling. The WMO said naming the clouds was important, saying: "By learning the name of the formations…we pay attention to and value what we see around us." It added that naming the clouds helped people to, "value our atmosphere and to pay attention to our impact on it".