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Cloud Envy

Short answer: Lenticular clouds are stationary, lens-shaped clouds. They form when stable, moist air flows over a mountain or other obstacle and sets up a series of atmospheric waves downwind.

Where the air rises in a wave, it cools and its moisture condenses into cloud; where it sinks again, the cloud evaporates. Because the wave stays in place, the cloud seems to hover. Layers can stack into a 'pile of plates'. Glider pilots use the lift in these waves, while powered aircraft may avoid the turbulence. Their saucer shape has led to some UFO reports. The footage shows lenticular clouds over mountains, including Mount Fuji, with the presenter.

VideoWrite-up1 sources
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What should you know about Cloud Envy?

Quick facts. Each one stands alone and has a stable ID you can cite.

  1. Lenticular clouds are lens-shaped and stationary.

    DD-154-F01 · Write-up · Exhibit A (Lens-shaped)

  2. They form in waves of air flowing over obstacles.

    DD-154-F02 · Write-up · Exhibit B (Mountain waves)

Video transcript: Cloud Envy: Lenticular Clouds Can Look Like Stacked Flying Saucers

The Lenticular forms when moist air flows along the surface of the earth and encounters an obstacle. DID YOU KNOW? The air is forced to ascend and as it does it cools leading to the formation of these lens shaped clouds stacked creating a surreal almost UFO-like appearance. They're not only beautiful but also serve as indicators of turbulence and can sometimes be mistaken for unidentified flying objects due to their distinctive shape. NOW YOU KNOW!

Burned-in captions, read frame by frame (see transcript.md) · 26.5s Reel ·

Video coming soonCloud Envy · Instagram Reel
Cloud Envy: Lenticular Clouds Can Look Like Stacked Flying Saucers Instagram Reel · · 26.5s

The write-up

Lenticular clouds can look like stacked flying saucers. They form in waves of air flowing over mountains.

  1. Exhibit A

    Lens-shaped

    Lenticular clouds are lens-shaped and stationary.

  2. Exhibit B

    Mountain waves

    They form in waves of air flowing over obstacles.

  3. Exhibit C

    Cooling

    Rising air cools and condenses.

  4. Exhibit D

    Stacks

    Layers can stack like plates.

  5. Exhibit E

    UFO reports

    Their shape has prompted UFO reports.

Questions people ask about Cloud Envy

What shape are lenticular clouds?

Like a saucer.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Lens-shaped) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

What sets them up?

Mountain waves.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Mountain waves) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

Why does cloud form in the rising air?

Moisture condenses.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Cooling) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

What can stacked lenticulars look like?

Several layers.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stacks) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

Who uses the lift in mountain waves?

Rising air.

Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (UFO reports) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

Test Your Knowledge

All quizzes →

5 questions, all from this case file. Answers are revealed instantly.

  1. What shape are lenticular clouds?

    1. Lens-shaped
    2. Funnel-shaped
    3. Square
    4. Spiral
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Lens-shaped Like a saucer. Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Lens-shaped) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

  2. What sets them up?

    1. Air flowing over mountains
    2. Ocean tides
    3. Earthquakes
    4. Lightning
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Air flowing over mountains Mountain waves. Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Mountain waves) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

  3. Why does cloud form in the rising air?

    1. It cools and condenses
    2. It heats up
    3. It turns to ice instantly
    4. It speeds up
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. It cools and condenses Moisture condenses. Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Cooling) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

  4. What can stacked lenticulars look like?

    1. A pile of plates
    2. A tornado
    3. A rainbow
    4. A fog bank
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. A pile of plates Several layers. Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stacks) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

  5. Who uses the lift in mountain waves?

    1. Glider pilots
    2. Divers
    3. Miners
    4. Sailors
    Show the answer

    Answer: A. Glider pilots Rising air. Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (UFO reports) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud

Cite this case file

Easterling, Marcus. "Cloud Envy." The Detail Department (DetailEnjoyer), case file DD-154, last updated Jan 1, 2024. https://detailenjoyer.com/case/cloud-envy/

Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/cloud-envy/ · Last updated

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