There are many phenomena that can be observed in heaven, and the formation of clouds is one of them, since there are different types of clouds. Sometimes they can be seen in some cloud areas that can remind us of flying saucers, lenses, etc. These clouds are called lenticular or technically identified as Altocumulus lenticularisand they manifest in the sky in areas where there are mountainous systems. The formation of the lenticular clouds is related to the movement of air and the topography of the land.
If you want to know more about What are lenticular clouds and how they formDo not stop reading this interesting ecology article in which we explain it to you in detail.
What are lenticular clouds
Lenticular clouds are a specific type of cloud formation that are characterized by having a convex album or lens. These clouds are commonly observed in mountainous areaswhere the air flows on the peaks of the mountains and creates atmospheric waves. As the air ascends on a mountain, you can experience adiabatic cooling and condense to form a cloud at the top of the ascending air wave. When several of these waves are formed, lenticular clouds can be observed in successive layers on the mountain.
Lenticular clouds often have a impressive appearance and may seem stationaryalthough the air flows continuously through them. Due to its distinctive form, it is often at their location on mountain peaks, the lenticular clouds are popular among the observers of the sky and the photographers.
These clouds They can also form in other situationsas in areas where air flow is found with an obstacle, such as buildings or structures. In these cases, the lenticular shape is due to the interaction between the air flow and the obstacle, instead of the geographical characteristics of the terrain.
Characteristics of lenticular clouds
- Lens or disc form: As the name implies, the lenticular clouds have a convex lens or disc shape. This form is due to the atmospheric waves that are formed on the peaks of the mountains or in areas where the air flow is found with obstacles.
- STATIONARY APPEARANCE: Although the lenticular clouds are constantly changing due to the flow of air through them, they often seem stationary. This is because atmospheric conditions can keep them in the same place for prolonged periods.
- Location on mountains or obstacles: In general, lenticular clouds are associated with mountainous areas, where air flows on the peaks of the mountains and forms the necessary waves for their development. They can also form on other obstacles, such as buildings or structures.
- Successive layers: In some situations, it is possible to observe several layers of lenticular clouds stacked on top of the other. This is due to the formation of multiple atmospheric waves.
- Smooth and uniform appearance: Unlike some other clouds that can have more irregular contours, lenticular clouds tend to have a smoother and more uniform appearance due to their lens shape.
- Vibrant Coloraciones: Due to the interaction of light with water or ice particles in the cloud, lenticular clouds often can show vibrant colors during dawn or sunset. This may include tones of red, orange and pink.
How the lenticular clouds are formed
Lenticular clouds are formed in mountainous areas or near obstacles that interrupt air flow. Your training is related to air movement and terrain topography. Here is a general process about how the lenticular clouds are formed:
- Stable air flow: In mountainous areas, air often moves constantly on the peaks of the mountains. This air flow can be caused by predominant winds or by local air currents.
- Air Ascent: When the air finds a mountain or obstacle on its way, it is forced to ascend. As the air rises, it cools adiabatically. If the moisture in the air reaches its dew point during this process, cloud condensation and formation occurs.
- Atmospheric waves: The rise of air on the mountain results in the formation of atmospheric waves. These waves are patterns of undulatory movement in the air, similar to the waves in the water. In the ridges of these waves, the air can cool enough to form a lenticular cloud.
- Condensation and cloud formation: In the ridges of the waves, where the air cools enough, the humidity condenses to form a lenticular cloud. The cloud lens or disc shape is the result of the interaction between atmospheric waves and air flow.
It is important to note that, although the lenticular clouds are common in mountainous areas, they can also be formed in other places where air flow is found with obstacles, such as buildings or structures.
Now that you know what the lenticular clouds are and how they form, you may also be interested in these other articles on the types of clouds: names, characteristics and photos and the sea of clouds: what is and where there is.
If you want to read more articles similar to Lenticular clouds: what are they and how they formwe recommend that you enter our category of meteorological phenomena.
