Lenticular Clouds and other Strange Shapes

Assembled by

Ken Mitchell

Livermore TOPScience

Lenticular Cloud 1

Lenticular Clouds

Lenticular clouds are technically known as altocumulus standing lenticularis.

They are stationary, lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes, normally aligned at right-angles to the wind direction.

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These clouds are formed by so-called 'mountain waves' of air created by strong winds forced over high mountains.

Then they hang over the mountains like alien 'motherships'...

Mount Rainier in Washington produces some of the most spectacular lenticulars.

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Lenticular 7

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Lenticulars have been mistaken for UFOs (or 'visual cover' for UFOs) because these clouds have a characteristic lens appearance and a smooth saucer-like shape.

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Wave Clouds

Wave clouds are formed when there are two parallel layers of air that are usually moving at different speeds and in opposite directions.

The upper layer of air usually moves faster than thelower layer because there is less friction.

Below is the famous photo of such special clouds over Mount Shasta , titled 'Catch the wave.'

Wave Clouds 1

Wave Clouds 2

The Witch's Brew of Bizarre Clouds

In the following photos are probably the weirdest of all weather phenomena pictures.

The following photos were taken from the top of a TV broadcasting tower in Joplin, Missouri.

Both the lenticular and mammatus clouds combine in one crazy rippled texture, hanging all over the city.

The Witch's Brew of Bizarre Clouds

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