Amazing clouds

[daremeto]

Lenticular clouds over Mt Rainier

 

[omeg]

I have never seen anything like that before.Simply beautiful.

 

[Mben]

WOW! So weird and so beautiful! I had to search ................... from wikipedia.Lenticular clouds (Altocumulus lenticularis) are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes, normally in perpendicular alignment to the wind direction. Lenticular clouds can be separated into altocumulus standing lenticularis (ACSL), stratocumulus standing lenticular (SCSL), and cirrocumulus standing lenticular (CCSL). Due to their shape, they have been offered as an explanation for some Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) sightings.FormationWhere stable moist air flows over a mountain or a range of mountains, a series of large-scale standing waves may form on the downwind side. If the temperature at the crest of the wave drops to the dew point, moisture in the air may condense to form lenticular clouds. As the moist air moves back down into the trough of the wave, the cloud may evaporate back into vapor. Under certain conditions, long strings of lenticular clouds can form near the crest of each successive wave, creating a formation known as a wave cloud. The wave systems cause large vertical air movements and so enough water vapor may condense to produce precipitation. The clouds have been mistaken for UFOs (or visual cover for UFOs) because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and smooth saucer-like shape. Bright colors (called irisation) are sometimes seen along the edge of lenticular clouds.[1] These clouds have also been known to form in cases where a mountain does not exist, but rather as the result of shear winds created by a front.

 

[daremeto]

amazing aren't they. i got the pic from science cosmos, i live near Mt. Rainier wish i would of seen those, but something like that one never knows when they are going to appear.

 

[queenmap]

Very cool pic! Simply beautiful and I too have never seen them before.