Mountain and Lee Waves

Clouds part 2

Lenticular Clouds: These clouds form at the peaks of standing mountain waves. They are standing clouds that are stable over long periods of time (~10 hr), and are generally lens-shaped.

Cap Clouds: These are standing lenticular clouds that form directly over a mountain--like a cap--provided there is enough moisture in the atmosphere.

Ragged Rotor Clouds: These clouds form on the lee side of a mountain, at about or just below the altitude of the mountain itself. These are small, ragged cumulus clouds that are more likely to form when the lee side of a mountain is steep. These clouds are created by the tumbling and rolling of air as a result of mountain waves; this tumbling and rolling can result in a large amount of turbulence.