Skip to main content

Overview

Clouds are made of tiny water droplets or ice crystals, suspended in the atmosphere. It is commonly observed that dark, threatening clouds can herald a storm, or that fluffy white clouds serenely billow across the sky on a perfect summer’s day. But the science of cloud classification is much more complex than this.

Every cloud belongs to one of the ten main groups, called genera. Most genera are further divided into species and varieties to account for differing characteristics. The basic nomenclature for clouds stems from the Latin term describing their physical form – cumulo (heap-like), strato (layer), cirro (hair-like), alto (high/upper) and nimbo (rain-bearing). Numerous combinations of species and varieties of the genera can be observed, with each telling an important story about the physical processes taking place in the atmosphere.

The Cloudscapes stamp issue depicts types of clouds of their features, using striking photographs taken in Tasmania, South Australia and Queensland.

These striking stamps, designed by Lisa Christensen of Three Branches Design, depict types of cloud or their features.

Products released in this issue

  • Stamp (4 x 70c)
  • Covers (blank pictorial, gummed and self-adhesive)
  • Stamp pack
  • Maxicard (4)
  • Booklet of 10 x 70c
  • Chequebook of 20 x 10 x 70c
  • Roll of 100 s/a
  • Strip of four
  • Collector pack
  • Gutter 10 (with design)
  • Postcards

Technical specifications

Issue  date1 May 2018
Issue withdrawal date30 November 2018
Denominations4 x $1
Stamp designLisa Christensen, Three Branches Design
Product designLisa Christensen, Three Branches Design
Paper - gummedTullis Russell 
PrinterRA Printing
Paper - gummedTullis Russell Red Phosphor
Paper - self-adhesiveSecurepost 90
Printing processOffset lithography
Stamp size(mm)35mm x 35mm
Minisheet size170mm x 80mm
Perforations14.286 x 14.286
Sheet layoutModule of 50
FDI postmarkWhitemark TAS 7255
FDI withdrawal date30 May 2018

Stamps in this issue

Cloudscapes Lenticularis stamp

Lenticularis

These dramatic saucer-like clouds, known as lenticularis clouds, are an example of the altocumulus (high and heap-like) genera. They were formed on the crests of atmospheric waves above Lachlan, Tasmania. The stamp photograph is by Rainer Oberle.

$1.00

Mammatus

These clouds, so named because they resemble udders or mammaries, often occur with cumulonimbus (heap-like and rain bearing). The clouds were photographed near Booborowie, South Australia. The stamp photograph is by Mark Dawson.

$1.00

Cloudscapes Cumulonimbus stamp

Cumulonimbus

These clouds are often associated with unstable weather conditions. Here we see a lightning storm between Auburn and Balaklava, South Australia. The stamp photograph is another by Mark Dawson.

$1.00

Cloudscapes Arcus stamp

Arcus

An arcus cloud is a low, horizontal formation appearing as a shelf or roll and usually associated with cumulonimbus clouds. The stamp shows storm clouds with a spectacular arcus feature near Boonah, Queensland. The stamp photograph is by Daniel Lutzke.

$1.00

Related stamp issues

  • Issue date: 25 October 2022

    Australian Rivers

  • Issue date: 01 October 2014

    Wilderness Australia

  • Issue date: 23 August 2022

    Aerial Views

  • Issue date: 02 May 2017

    Caves

This content was produced at the time of the stamp issue release date and will not be updated.