NEw 'Asperatus' Cloud being discovered?

[mikedeason]

Altostratus undulatus with non-parallel banding. Can be very spectacular, but nothing new or that uncommon. We really don't need a new classification for it.

Here's another great example that occurred during a famous tornadic event, the June 3, 1980 "Night of the Twisters" in Grand Island, NE:

 

[B Doss]

Can't you guys recognize doomsday clouds when you see them?

 

[Oscar van der Velde]

On the given page with the photos that should be examples of the same new cloud type, the first and third one is the bottom of lenticularis, the second and fourth one I have seen several times, in particular it often occurs with elevated instability (forcing a stable layer through the LFC, only the base looks laminar), has an undulating or braided appearance. I would have classified it as a form of lacunosus. Some lacunosus images on the web look like what asperatus may look like, but perhaps inverted (upside down).
The undulations appear because of orographic effects. It is a tough call if it can be called a new type. Lacunosus undulatus would suffice?

 

[Mike Johnston]

I've seen these being called Lenticular Mammatus before, but I think I like Asperatus better. Regardless of the name, they can be very stunning to look at.

Yes, I remember several years ago someone posted here pictures of similar clouds over Pittsburg, Kansas - which a local TV met described as Lenticular Mammatus. As I recall, there ensued a discussion of whether the term was valid or not.

 

[mikedeason]

Yes, I remember several years ago someone posted here pictures of similar clouds over Pittsburg, Kansas - which a local TV met described as Lenticular Mammatus. As I recall, there ensued a discussion of whether the term was valid or not.

It's not a valid term. Out of the ten basic genera of cloud types, I'd certainly call it a form of altostratus. Despite it's turbulent appearance, it still maintains a very smooth texture which indicates the layer it resides in is stable. And, the times I have personally witness this cloud formation, it's base was located in the middle etage.

Lenticularis belongs to the grouping of cloud species which also includes descriptors like congestus, humilus, calvus, etc., and is used to further describe one of the ten basic cloud types.

Similarly, mamma is a term used to describe certain forms of several basic cloud types. Most prominent displays of mamma is associated with CB's of course, but mamma can occur with CI, CC, AC, AS and SC with or without a CB.

I suppose it could even be argued that the images in question could be clasified as altostratus mammatus.

 

[Craig McPeck]

Does this even deserve its own name? Maybe a sub name sounds more like it

 

[Karla Dorman]

May be Photoshopped, but still - WOW Gorgeous to behold!