Lenticular cloud
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 lens or saucer. Nacreous clouds that form in the lower stratosphere sometimes have lenticular shapes.
| Lenticular cloud | |
|---|---|
Dramatic lenticular cloud formation over Harold's Cross, Dublin | |
| Genus | Stratocumulus, altocumulus, cirrocumulus |
| Species | lenticularis (Latin: lentil) |
| Altitude | up to 12,000 m (40,000 ft) |
| Appearance | lens-like, Saucer-shaped |
| Precipitation | Virga only. |
There are three main types of lenticular clouds: altocumulus standing lenticular (ACSL), stratocumulus standing lenticular (SCSL), and cirrocumulus standing lenticular (CCSL), varying in altitude above the ground. Because of their unique appearance, they have been suggested as an explanation for some unidentified flying object (UFO) sightings.
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