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What is this cloud called, and what causes it?

I spend a fair amount of time skiing in the Alps, and a few times have seen this 'UFO cloud' (as my nephew describes it) hovering over Mt. Blanc - it just seems to form out of a clear sky, and then drift away again.

I've never seen anything like it, this doughnut shape, anywhere else, and wondered if there was any particular name for it, or if anyone knows what causes it (the height of the mountain, for example)?

Thanks.

http://postimage.org/image/lzng81xzj/

3 Answers

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  • 9 years ago
    Favorite Answer

    Lenticular clouds may be what you observed for they form over the tops and leeward side of mountains. Called lenticular because they have a lens shape and have indeed been mistaken for UFOs, particularly over the Sierras of California and Oregon. I have also observed them in Colorado. Now they form as water vapor condenses in the lower pressure of a venturi effect over the leading edge of the mountain and they evaporate in the downward movement of the air on the lee side, so they are constantly forming and dissipating. They are also seen in the higher mountains. I have never observed them over the appalacians for example. Thank you for this interesting question.

    Source(s): I am a retired Air Force meteorologist with a Ph.D. in atmospheric science and 50 some years of experience.
  • TQ
    Lv 7
    9 years ago

    It's called a lenticular cloud b/c it looks like a lens.

    It's created by the wind flowing over the mountain. The lift provided by mountain causes moisture in the air to condense and form a cloud. The edges are smoothed by the high speed of the wind.

    Source(s): Meteorologist.
  • 4 years ago

    My concepts leans to the magical. there are lots of people who have self belief that area crafts cloak themselves in clouds. i'm attempting to come across a logical explanation, however the only ingredient that i ought to arise with became a good gust of wind yet I even have in no way experienced something such as you're describing and that i've got lived in places the place tornadoes and hurricanes have been sought after... it would be super in case you re-asked this question interior the magical section. it is under technology - selection - Paranormal *edit* there are various scientists that typical that section, giving logical solutions to the unusual and strange. ;) If there's a logical explanation, you may discover it there. I only had an thought nevertheless, in step with danger it became a stealth bomber and it became cloaked so which you need to no longer see it. :)

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