The International Cloud Atlas has named 'new' types of clouds and cloud formations for the first time since 1987. Meteorologists and cloud lovers have 12 new names to play with. The atlas started in 1896. It is believed to be the standard and most authoritative reference tool on clouds. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) publishes it and decides whether or not to include new clouds. The WMO said you don't need to be an expert to find a new cloud. It said anyone can take a photo and send it to the WMO, and that could one day become a new cloud.
The cloud creating the biggest buzz online is named asperitas, meaning 'rough-like' in Latin. It looks like big waves at sea when looked at from below. Another is the volutus. This a tube-shaped cloud mass that looks like it is rolling. The WMO said the new clouds could increase people's interest in the environment. It said: "By learning the name of the formations…we pay attention to and value what we see around us." It added: "By giving a language to the forms of our atmosphere, we are helping people to value our atmosphere and to pay attention to our impact on it."