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Strange Cloud Formation

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  • 26-02-2008 1:17pm
    #1
    jameshayes
    Registered Users Posts: 3,772 ✭✭✭


    I was on holiday last week in the Alps and I seen a really wierd (IMO) cloud formation, the clouds were sitting on top of the tips like UFO's - can anyone explain? I presume it's something to do with the strong sun melting the snow - but I could be talking out of my :eek:

    Take a look;



    2293851022_973c1dffaf_o.jpg

    2293851128_e76a60f71c_o.jpg

    http://www.flickr.com/photos/jameshayes/2293037267/sizes/o/


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    #2
    Snowbie
    Registered Users Posts: 5,033 ✭✭✭Snowbie


    There called lenticular clouds. They are a common occurance throughout the world around mountain ranges ,even here in Ireland.

    There caused when a prevailing moist wind rides over the mountain side and create's mountain waves on the downward side, in turn rises but sometimes rolls or eddy's creating a saucer like or lens effect. They are really an autocumulus cloud and a source of turbulence around mountains.


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    #3
    peasant
    Registered Users Posts: 17,819 ✭✭✭✭peasant


    Those particular conditions in the Alps are called "Foehn"

    http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/F%C3%B6hn_wind


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