Sunday, August 15, 2010

Video time-lapse of asperatus clouds

For those who follow weather closely, you may have heard of a newly-recognized cloud type over the past year or two. This cloud type, officially called undulatus asperatus, or just asperatus (roughly meaning "roughened" or "agitated waves"), was proposed to be classified as a separate cloud type in 2009 by the founder of the Cloud Appreciation Society. The Weather Service describes it thus:

“Although they appear dark and storm-like, they tend to dissipate without a storm forming. The ominous-looking clouds have been particularly common in the Plains states of the United States, often during the morning or midday hours following convective thunderstorm activity.”

Below you will find an awesome time-lapse video of about 90 minutes of asperatus clouds condensed into 90 seconds of video, taken over State College, PA (home of one of the most widely-recognized schools of Meteorology - Penn State) by Accuweather meteorologist and blogger, Jesse Ferrell. As you watch, pay particular attention to the wave action in these clouds. Truly fascinating! Let me know what you think by commenting on this post. Jesse's blog and additional still pics can be found here.



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