Lenticular Clouds

From TinWiki.org

Often reported as a U.F.O. lenticular clouds (altocumulus standing lenticularis) are a natural weather phenomena that have an unusual circular formation that also frequently have a layered appearance. It's due to this odd appearance that people at a distance have mistakenly thought that these are in fact some sort of flying saucer or a mask for hiding a craft.

1 Cloud Formation
2 Aircraft
3 ATS Discussion Threads
4 External Links

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Cloud Formation

Most lenticular clouds form over very rough or mountainous terrain at very high altitudes. Often they are stationary and remain in one location for a period of time. The distinctive layered effect and lens shape is due to different atmospheric pressure and moisture levels through the depth of the cloud.

Most clouds of this nature form on the leeward side of the mountains, this can give them an elongated shape due to the wind coming from the rear, though some will form around a peak for many hours.

If conditions are right, depending on wind and moisture in the air these phenomena can form in chains giving the impression that they could be U.F.O.s flying in formation or following each other.

Lenticular Cloud Formations

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Aircraft

Most powered aircraft avoid lenticular clouds due to the rough turbulence encountered while flying through these formations. One exception are pilots of sail planes that actually seek them out because of the tremendous lift they can gain that allows them to gain altitude, sometimes soaring to great heights from the lift provided by this weather feature.

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