Russian photographer Denis Bukhov captured the rare phenomenon of lenticular clouds over the Kamchatka Peninsula
in Russia. Resembling flying saucers, they form when the air temperature drops and moisture droplets are pushed up a
steep slope by high winds.
Denis said that it is possible to walk to the top of a volcano, find the Pacific Ocean by following the mountain rivers
and see the first sunrise over all of Russia.
The lenticular cloud pattern depends upon wind speed and the shape of the mountains. A constant wind may produce
clouds which are stable and remain virtually stationary, as if hovering, in the sky for hours.
The lens-shaped formations are scientifically known as 'altocumulus lenticularis' and are the result of moist air that has condensed at a high altitude. They are formed when the air temperature drops and moisture droplets are pushed up a steep slope by high winds.
As a keen photographer, Denis said he loved nothing more than to capture the natural beauty of his home land of
Kamchatka. He said: 'These clouds are very special as they do not move, they stay in one place and
it's only their shape that changes'.
Just as a rock in a stream will form ripples downstream, a similar effect occurs in the air with the lenticular clouds
forming at the peaks of the air 'waves'.
Sometimes a phenomenon known as irisation occurs along the edge of lenticular clouds, which causes them to
glow an eery red. This adds to the disturbing atmosphere evoked by the oddly shaped clouds.
This unique atmospheric condition creates the interesting lens-shaped form that defines a lenticular cloud. Mountains act as natural barriers forcing clouds to condense quickly as they are pushed to cooler altitudes. This is why a large or particularly tall mountain range will experience a moist climate on one side but an arid one on the other.
WATCH: Amazing time lapse of lenticular clouds around the world.
DAILY MAIL.
Credit: ovni-news.blogspot.com
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