Cap Cloud and Lenticular Cloud Formations

Photographer: Roberto Porto
Summary Authors: Roberto Porto; Jim Foster

Shown above is a striking cap cloud hugging Pico de Teide's summit (12,198 ft or 3,718 m), in the Canary Islands (Spain), as observed from Teide National Park. When moist air is forced up mountain slopes it cools and then condenses, sometimes forming a mushroom-shaped cloud over the summit. Note the lenticular cloud on the lee side of Teide's flank (at left center). These impressive clouds take shape in mid-level atmospheric waves, downstream of topographic barriers. Click here to see a video showing both of these cloud formations. Photo taken on December 1, 2016.

Photo Details: Camera: NIKON D90; Lens: 18.0-55.0 mm f/3.5-5.6; Focal Length: 29mm (35mm equivalent: 43mm); Aperture: ƒ/10.0; Exposure Time: 0.0080 s (1/125); ISO equiv: 200; Software: Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 6.1 (Macintosh).

• Teide National Park, Spain Coordinates: 28.27248, -16.64171
• Related Links
  • Pico de Teide and Cloud Shadow
  • Lenticular Cloud Over Tenerife, Canary Islands
  • Arenal and Cap Cloud
• Student Links
  • Clouds And How They Form
• Earth Observatory
  • Tenerife Island, Spain
    

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