“5 Must-See Natural Wonders: Mammatus Clouds, Fairy Circles, Richat Structure, The Wave, and Marble Caves”

by time news

2023-04-22 13:02:56

You really have to see these special natural phenomena once in real life.

1 Mammatus clouds

Mammatus clouds are some of the most unusual and distinctive cloud formations you will encounter. The word ‘mammatus’ comes from the Latin ‘mamma’, meaning ‘udder’ or ‘breast’. In fact, it is a series of bulges or pouches that emerge from the base of the cloud.

They often occur in conjunction with Cumuloniumbus clouds, which cause unstable air and thunderstorms due to their sheer mass. Provided the air is cold enough, Mammatus clouds are prone to hail, heavy rain and lightning. In winter they can provide snow.

The striking appearance of Mammatus clouds is best seen when the sun is low in the sky and the pouches are framed by the sunlight. Much to the fascination of meteorologists and photographers.