# Cloud Envy (DD-154)

> 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.

- Department: Science (also Nature)
- First published: 2024-01-01
- Last updated: 2024-01-01
- Permalink: https://detailenjoyer.com/case/cloud-envy/
- Original Reel title: Cloud Envy ☁️
- Author: Marcus Easterling (DetailEnjoyer), The Detail Department

## Quick facts

- **DD-154-F01**: Lenticular clouds are lens-shaped and stationary. _(Write-up · Exhibit A (Lens-shaped))_
- **DD-154-F02**: They form in waves of air flowing over obstacles. _(Write-up · Exhibit B (Mountain waves))_

## Write-up

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

1. **Lens-shaped**: Lenticular clouds are lens-shaped and stationary.
2. **Mountain waves**: They form in waves of air flowing over obstacles.
3. **Cooling**: Rising air cools and condenses.
4. **Stacks**: Layers can stack like plates.
5. **UFO reports**: Their shape has prompted UFO reports.

## Related case files

- [Supercell (DD-612)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/supercell/): I linked more weather
- [Iguazu (DD-153)](https://detailenjoyer.com/case/iguazu/): I linked more water in motion

## Reel vs. record

- **Note**: None needed.

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

- Duration: 26.5 s · Published: 2024-01-01
- File: https://detailenjoyer.com/assets/videos/C1jIU05u4H-.mp4

### Transcript

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!

## Questions & answers

**Q: What shape are lenticular clouds?**  
A: Like a saucer. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit A (Lens-shaped) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud)_

**Q: What sets them up?**  
A: Mountain waves. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit B (Mountain waves) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud)_

**Q: Why does cloud form in the rising air?**  
A: Moisture condenses. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit C (Cooling) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud)_

**Q: What can stacked lenticulars look like?**  
A: Several layers. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit D (Stacks) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud)_

**Q: Who uses the lift in mountain waves?**  
A: Rising air. _(Source: Write-up · Exhibit E (UFO reports) · Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud)_

## Sources

- [Wikipedia: Lenticular cloud](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/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/