Unusual Cloud Formations
August 2nd 2007 11:10
Clouds are mostly water vapor and appear in all shapes and sizes, but occasionally they surprise us with some unusual formations although we pretty much take clouds for granted it’s nice to take some time out appreciate them just for their artistry.
On Wednesday August 1 2007 I was a passenger driving south west from Brisbane City I happen to gaze up to see what looked like pillow shaped clouds, 6 almost equally spaced clouds I call them “pillows” or perhaps snow balls would be a better description.
My curiosity intensifies when I see something out of the ordinary this particular day was no exception.
I was fortunate to have my trusty Nikon camera with me and proceeded to take a few shots. The clouds seen above the “pillow” shape clouds appear Cirrus cloud formation the bases of mid-level clouds typically appear between 6,500 to 20,000 feet (2,000 to 6,000 meters). Because of their lower altitudes, they are composed primarily of water droplets; However, when temperatures are cold enough, these clouds may also contain ice particles, the 6 “puffy” looking clouds appear to be cumulus. I am not a meteorologist so I may wrong.
I surmise that these clouds where formed by a temperature inversion where cold air meets warmer moist air. In most cases it may trigger a thunderstorm but on this occasion it was just wishful thinking. Although the summer months are considered our “wet” season this particular winter Brisbane has experienced below average rainfall.
Can anyone teach me to rain dance?
Photos Carlcan
On Wednesday August 1 2007 I was a passenger driving south west from Brisbane City I happen to gaze up to see what looked like pillow shaped clouds, 6 almost equally spaced clouds I call them “pillows” or perhaps snow balls would be a better description.
unusual cloud formation
I was fortunate to have my trusty Nikon camera with me and proceeded to take a few shots. The clouds seen above the “pillow” shape clouds appear Cirrus cloud formation the bases of mid-level clouds typically appear between 6,500 to 20,000 feet (2,000 to 6,000 meters). Because of their lower altitudes, they are composed primarily of water droplets; However, when temperatures are cold enough, these clouds may also contain ice particles, the 6 “puffy” looking clouds appear to be cumulus. I am not a meteorologist so I may wrong.
"snowballs
Can anyone teach me to rain dance?
Photos Carlcan
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Comment by Mountain Fog
Infognito
Why yes of course I can...ahem....
FIRST:
Stand erect, put all weight on your left foot, bringing the right foot upwards towards your buttocks.
Second:
Insert said foot into buttocks and PRAY FOR RAIN!!
I swear it will either work, or, you will at least have a new way to attend your ablutions!! tee hee!!
I have seen some amazing clouds too...and I saw one form, from thin air. I noticed, while sitting in the breakfast room after school, a little sparky like thin lightening from a small cloud shooting below, it slowly condensed the vapour below it and a small cloud was formed, it took about half an hour or less I think.
I lived on Cremorne Point in those days, and saw lots of atmospheric things happen, including the mini tornado (or water spout as we a call it here, when it is in water) form in Sydney Harbour.
I then watched as it gathered quickly in strength and then rushed passed the end of Cremorne Point and disappeared, I did notice waves rushing towards the point though, and wondered about it, but, as it seemed only small, I didn't think any more of it.
Then that night, I saw the news and I realized what I had seen birth in the middle of the harbour.
Mosman was declared a disaster area, for it wrecked havoc there. Only pity was, I didn't have a video camera...well...they were not available to mug kids like me in those days.
cheers
fog
P.S. I hope you are going to enter my Domain Naming competition!
P.P.S. And what about the bizarre criss crossing streaks of 'cloud' or vapour trail, that are being left in skies throughout the world. Initially it only happened in America.
People see white jets criss crossing each other's paths with a heavy thick vapour trail behind, which then descends and actually covers the ground, it has a oily opalescent look to it, and melts quickly on contact, and some people get ill from it.
It happened in Tasmania years ago, I saw it on the news, they called it "angel hair", but no one proffered an explanation, and no one saw any jets that time, although some now say it is military in origin.
Comment by Lily
Ars Poetica
i once saw two clouds moving to meet in the middle .. like two actors coming from each side of the stage.. i was too young to appreciate it, and didn't watch the final act.. sigh
The Cloud Appreciation Society
Weather Photos
~Lily
Comment by Ash
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I love clouds myself.... but can never get the names right! I never could understand how one name could fit to something that was so unique.
These clouds that you have captured are a sight aren`t they? Wow! Good thing you had the camera on board.
thanks for sharing
ash
Comment by Chic Critique
Maybe they were from an alien space ship? Nah, I'm going to start a whole new series of comments if I go there
Cool post!
Comment by CarlCan
Astroearth
Any thing is possible. I love watching clouds.
My motto is
" suspect everthing deny nothing"
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Tracy
Comment by Chic Critique
Teehee!