Think I'll Stay on the Ground Today

[longranger]

IMHO, sealing tanks would be more fun than flying around this thing.

Tehachapi, CA, Nov. 14 2009

[tc1234c]

Can not agree more! That thing looks like a UFO!

[Mel]

Actually, I think I can see windows and hear a "humming". sound.

[tcone1]

HEEEEERRRRRREEEEEEE's Lenny

[flickroll]

Always better to be on the ground wishing you were in the air, than to be in the air wishing you were on the ground....

[Lionclaw]

Weather noob here.... what is it?

[AltonD]

lenticular. Turbulence. Stay out. Usually forms over mountain range peaks.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lenticular_cloud

[David Clifford]

Originally Posted by Lionclaw

Weather noob here.... what is it?

Lenticular cloud
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Lenticular cloud

Lenticular cloud above northern Presidential Range, NH
Genus Alto- (Latin for high)
-cumulus (Latin: heap)
Species lenticularis (Latin: lens-shaped)
Altitude 6,000-12,000 m
(20,000-40,000 ft)
Classification Family A (High-level)
Appearance lens-like
Precipitation cloud? Sometimes
This box: view ? talk

Altocumulus lenticularis often forms in the lee of mountains.Lenticular clouds are stationary lens-shaped clouds that form at high altitudes, normally aligned perpendicular to the wind direction. Lenticular clouds can be separated into altocumulus standing lenticularis (ACSL), stratocumulus standing lenticular (SCSL), and cirrocumulus standing lenticular (CCSL).

Contents [hide]
1 Formation
2 Flight
3 Gallery
4 See also
5 References
6 External links


[edit] Formation
Where 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 or below 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]

[edit] Flight
Power pilots tend to avoid flying near lenticular clouds because of the turbulence of the rotor systems that accompany them, but sailplane pilots actively seek them out. The precise location of the rising air mass is fairly easy to predict from the orientation of the clouds. "Wave lift" of this kind is often very smooth and strong, and enables gliders to soar to remarkable altitudes and great distances. The current gliding world records for both distance (over 3,000 km; 1,864 mi) and altitude (15,460 m; 50,721 ft) were set using such lift[2].

[Lionclaw]

Ah, thanks. I remember the name from PPL studies, but I had never seen one.

[BlndRvtr]

They are indeed rare over Dayton OH.