Sierra Wave

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A Sierra Wave over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
A Sierra Wave over the Sierra Nevada Mountains.

The Sierra Wave is a type of Lenticular Cloud created by winds that lift off the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range[1]. Known as Lee waves, sierra waves form as winds hit the Sierra Mountains and are forced to rise, causing water vapor to condense as it cools and forming lenticular clouds on the Leeward side of the mountain range. These clouds can remain stationary for many hours. The formation of a Sierra Wave is dependent upon many factors, including wind speed and direction, leeward wind patterns, and water vapor. Given the Sierra Wave formation is dependent upon many variables their formation is unpredictable.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Sierra Wave. Nature Notes. Yosemite Association.