Nature: Nephology....Cloudy, gravid sky.......

Nephology is the study of clouds. Lately, I have discovered an interest in the fascinating patterns of clouds and trying to recognize them, with limited success so far. 

As most of you may be aware that the three major categories are cirrus (streaks), cumulus (cottony puffs) and stratus (grey). 

Then there is the rain-gravid nimbus clouds. Sometimes, clouds build up with characteristics of two distinct types of clouds viz. cirrostratus,  cumulonimbus,  cirrocumulus etc. 

Then there are the scuds, vapory clouds often associated with bad weather. Now what is the identity of cloud here? The dark cloudy sky  in the backdrop accentuates the autumn foliage in the forefront. Picture was taken from the moving car in a street in Irvine.

Massive, dark clouds descend for a November shower in rain-starved South California....

The army of rain-saturated clouds drifting fast towards Costa Mesa sky. The blanket of dark cloud reminds me of Indian monsoon.

Overcast day..silhouette of bare tree with zillions of sweetgum balls....

In Mission valley, San Diego..

An overcast day over San Diego bay....

A dove on a dead tree...

Lenticular (lens-shaped) clouds at Mount Rainier National park.......