Lenticular Clouds Over Reno, Nevada
December 22, 2015
Photographer: John Kupersmith
Summary Authors: John Kupersmith; Jim Foster
These sunlit lenticular clouds were observed over Reno, Nevada just before sunrise on December 2, 2013. Lenticular clouds (altocumulus lenticularis) are occasionally seen over major mountain chains and along their lee slopes, such as the Sierra Nevada's, but can also be seen over more modest terrain, though with less frequency. They form when a layer of stable air is lifted upslope (windward slope). If this air current begins to undulate and as long as some moisture is available, lens-like or even saucer-shaped wave clouds may develop in the wave crests -- the highest and coolest parts of the wave.
Photo Details: Camera: SONY DSC-RX10; Lens: 8.8-73.3 mm f/2.8; Focal Length: 8.8mm (35mm equivalent: 24mm); Aperture: ƒ/2.8; Exposure Time: 0.0020 s (1/500); ISO equiv: 125; Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5.7 (Macintosh).
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