So what exactly are those mysterious looking clouds over the erupting Klyuchevskoy volcano in Kamchatka?
And why do they form there?
According to KVERT.ru, ash explosions up to 19,700-26,240 ft (6-8 km) a.s.l. could occur at any time on the south-eastern flank of the volcano.
This ongoing activity along the Apakhonchich chute could affect international and low-flying aircraft.
And this intense activity was just right for awesome lense-shaped lenticular clouds to cap the summit of the volcano on June 6, 2016.
Lenticular clouds also known as Altocumulus lenticularis by scientists get their name from the fact that they’re shaped like a lens or a saucer.
Although lenticular clouds may look like they’re from outer space, they’re actually just the result of normal earthly scientific processes.
Lenticular clouds are stationary clouds that form at high altitudes in the sky. They’re usually aligned at a right angle (perpendicular) to the direction of the wind.
For example, when stable humid air blows over the top of a mountain range, it often forms a group of big waves on the downwind side of the mountain range. If the temperature is low enough on the downwind side, the moisture in the air will condense to form these awesome lenticular clouds.
This would thus be the best time to fly gliders as the turbulent air needed to form these mysterious clouds allow gliders to sail to great heights and long distances.
But be careful, you might get burned!
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