Posted on 06/05/2009 4:33:02 PM PDT by JoeProBono
These choppy clouds over Cedar Rapids, Iowa, in an undated picture could be examples of the first new type of cloud to be recognized since 1951. Or so hopes Gavin Pretor-Pinney, founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society.
The British cloud enthusiast said he began getting photos of "dramatic" and "weird" clouds (including the above) in 2005 that he didn't know how to define.
A few months ago he began preparing to propose the odd formations as a new cloud variety to the UN's World Meteorological Organization, which classifies cloud types.
Pretor-Pinney jokingly calls it the "Jacques Cousteau cloud," after its resemblance to a roiling ocean surface seen from below. But the cloud fan has proposed a "formal," Latin name: Undulus asperatusroughly, "a very turbulent, violent, chaotic form of undulation," explained Pretor-Pinney, author of the new Cloud Collector's Handbook.
Margaret LeMone, a cloud expert with the National Center for Atmospheric Research in Boulder, Colorado, said that she has taken photos of asperatus clouds intermittently over the past 30 years.
It's likely that the cloud will turn out to be a new variety, LeMone said.
"Having a group of people enthusiastic about clouds can only help the field of meteorology," she added.
Asked how has such a striking cloud type could go unrecognized, Pretor-Pinney cites its rarityand the proliferation and portability of digital cameras. "Technology has allowed us to have this new perspective on the sky."
Very awesome pics!
New clouds Hey!They look like the same old clouds that I see everyday.But then what the hell.I’m No scientist.
I am the Gatekeeper.
Nice Mammatus pic.
1951? Is it just a coincidence that Karl Rove first appeared on Earth December 25, 1950? Or was he transported to Earth along with his “weather machine?”
It would have to be transport to Earth, because even though he is an evil genius, manipulating clouds would be too advanced for a 1 yr. old.
I actually walked out my door and saw that overhead in New Mexico one afternoon. I'd like to just call it creepy, but it was way more than that - it was definitely scary weird.
Joni Mitchell wrote the song (along with many, many others) and in my humble opinion, does a better job singing it, but yes, Judy Collins did cover it as well.
Regards,
GtG
We’ve had clouds like those last two pictures here in Augusta, GA, recently. Beautiful stuff—I got some nice pics, too!
Oh Thanks! I’m strictly an amateur. I just takes dozens and dozens and luckly one turns out pretty good. Dig cams are so much fun.
See? We agree.
I knew one once, but we could never get along.
Looks like the Stay Puft marshmallow man and his family are mooning us.
Last time I saw clouds like that was in the “Flash Gordon” movie. That scared the crap out of me as a kid.
Something like that only fewer rumples. And other areas looked like an egg crate mattress cover. Seriously, I’ve never seen anything like it.
Cloud Ping
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