Stratocumulus lenticularis is an uncommon cloud type that belongs to the
stratocumulus cloud type, its appearance is that of a flat lens or
almond
The almond (''Prunus amygdalus'', syn. ''Prunus dulcis'') is a species of tree native to Iran and surrounding countries, including the Levant. The almond is also the name of the edible and widely cultivated seed of this tree. Within the genus ...
. It forms as a result of gravity waves
caused by wind passing over obstacles; for example, a mountain or a building. They are more common in locations that are hilly, or places where foehn winds are common
They tend to look more well-defined when a
foehn wind is causing their formation. They also sometimes show
iridescence
Iridescence (also known as goniochromism) is the phenomenon of certain surfaces that appear to gradually change color as the angle of view or the angle of illumination changes. Examples of iridescence include soap bubbles, feathers, butterfl ...
.
It is a type of
lenticular cloud.
See also
*
Altocumulus lenticularis
Lenticular clouds (Latin: ''Lenticularis'' lentil-shaped, from ''lenticula'' lentil) are stationary clouds that form mostly in the troposphere, typically in parallel alignment to the wind direction. They are often comparable in appearance to a ...
*
Cirrocumulus lenticularis
Cirrocumulus lenticularis is a type of cirrocumulus cloud. The name ''cirrocumulus lenticularis'' is derived from Latin, meaning "like a lentil". Cirrocumulus lenticularis are smooth clouds that have the appearance of a lens or an almond. They usua ...
References
{{Reflist
Cumulus
Stratus